This marks a new chapter in a long and distinguished career — one grounded in high performance, deep community roots, and a lifelong love of the sport.
“It’s a privilege to coach the next generation at a national level, especially right here in Canberra,” Steve says. “I’ve worn the spikes, I’ve worn the coach’s stopwatch, and now I get to help young athletes wear their ACT colours with pride and confidence.”
A Full-Circle Moment for a Lifelong Sprinter and Coach
Steve’s journey into this national coaching role didn’t begin with a job title. It began on the track.
A former national gold medalist and international medalist at open level, Steve knows what it takes to perform when it counts. But it’s his three decades of coaching — across club, state, and international levels — that make this appointment so meaningful. As a Level 4 Performance Coach, he brings elite expertise in sprint mechanics, speed development, and competition readiness.
This appointment by School Sport ACT is a recognition of not just his results, but his ethos: a coach who believes in whole-athlete development, whether the goal is a medal or a personal best.
What This Means for ACT Athletes at Nationals
For the young athletes heading to Nationals this December, Steve brings a rare mix of experience, energy, and empathy. He’s known not only for his technical expertise, but for the way he connects with athletes across age groups and abilities — making each athlete feel seen, heard, and believed in.
From explosive block starts to managing nerves on race day, Steve will guide ACT’s best young sprinters and field athletes through one of the biggest events on the junior calendar.
He’s also no stranger to major events. Steve has coached athletes at the Australian All Schools Championships, Australian Little Athletics Championships, World Masters, and the International Children’s Games. His athletes have earned dozens of national medals, and many have continued on to university scholarships, national squads, and long-lasting sporting careers.
“These championships are a chance for kids to dream bigger,” Steve says. “My role is to make sure they’re not just prepared physically, but that they believe they belong on that start line.”
More Than a Coach — A Community Leader
Beyond the track, Steve has been recognised for his impact on sport and community. He’s the inaugural recipient of the ACT Minister for Sport’s Outstanding Service to Sport Award, a Community for Children Awardee presented by the Governor-General, and the winner of the ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Innovation Award.
He’s also a Life Member of Ginninderra Athletics Club and the German Australian Parents Association, and continues to coach through FAST Running, Canberra’s leading sprint squad for athletes of all ages and levels.
As a trilingual coach (English, German, Dutch) and Australian Athletics Coaching Course Facilitator, Steve also brings cultural awareness and communication skills that help young athletes feel at ease — on and off the track.
Looking Ahead
With the Nationals taking place on home turf in 2025, this year’s School Sport Australia Championships offer ACT athletes something special: the chance to shine in front of friends, family, and a home crowd.
And with Steve Dodt on the coaching team, they’ll have one of the most experienced and passionate sprint coaches in the country in their corner.
“This isn’t just a championship — it’s a launchpad,” Steve says. “I’m ready to bring every ounce of knowledge, energy, and belief to help these kids rise.”
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