Why Sprinting Isn’t Just Running Fast
Sprinting is a science. A craft. And when done right, it unlocks performance gains few athletes ever reach.
With 30 years of experience coaching athletes from grassroots to international podiums, I specialise in sprint mechanics, speed development, and competition preparation — tailored to the athlete’s age, goals, and sport.
Whether you’re a sprinter chasing national titles or a footballer chasing a through ball, elite speed changes everything.
My Coaching Philosophy
How I coach

Athlete-First Always
I build trust before I build speed. Training is a two-way relationship

Science + Simplicity
The tech and data help, but they’re no good unless they’re understood and applied practically

Long-Term Focus
Sprinting rewards those who play the long game. Every rep, every run, builds toward the bigger picture.
Results Across Every Level
Results That Speak Across Levels
NATIONAL MEDALS
60
NATIONAL TOP TEN
186
NATIONAL & ACT RECORDS
69
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
+30
Every win belongs to the athlete. My role is to guide, refine, and believe relentlessly
Behind the Track
The Track is Only One Part of the Story

Athlete
I’ve lived the athlete’s journey — winning a national gold medal and medalling internationally as an open-age hurdler and long jumper. The highs, the setbacks, the commitment — I bring that lived experience into every session I coach.

Award Winner
I’ve been recognised locally and nationally for my contributions to sport and community, including:
- Outstanding Service to Sport — inaugural recipient, ACT Minister for Sport
- Community for Children Award — presented by the Governor-General of Australia
- Innovation in Sport Award — ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation

Educator
Level 4 Performance Coach and accredited specialist in sprints, hurdles, relays and jumps. I also serve as an Australian Athletics Coaching Course Facilitator, helping to develop Australia’s next generation of coaches. I am also only 1 out of 25 World Athletics Coach Developers world-wide. Trilingual in English, German, and Dutch, I value clear, effective communication with athletes and families from all backgrounds.

Entrepreneur
Director of FAST Running, Sprint Clinics, Youth Programs, Technology evangelist, and more.

Family Man
I coach, but I also cook dinner, play with my son, and chase balance.

Life Member
Honoured as a Life Member of both the German Australian Parents Association and Ginninderra Athletics Club — two communities that have shaped my values.

Mentor
I stay in touch with my athletes years after their final race. I’m also a member of World Athletics Coach Developer network helping other coaches in their careers.

Work with me?
All of my coaching is now delivered through FAST Running — Canberra’s premier speed and sprint squad for all ages and levels. Whether you’re 10 or 60, there’s a program built for you.
I personally coach our high-performance sprinters and work with athletes from many sports looking to gain speed and confidence.
Latest From the Track
Thoughts, reflections, and stories from coaching life.

Why a 6.6 Second Sprint Video Reached 5 Million People
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The Professionalisation of Coaching: What It Really Means
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Supporting ACT’s Next Generation of Track & Field Talent
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Sharper Planning. Better Preparation. Stronger Performances.
Canberra Sprint Coach Steve Dodt has completed the Project Management Foundations program with the University of New South Wales[…]