Olympic champion to lead new national race walking hub in South Australia

Olympic gold medallist Jared Tallent will spearhead a new initiative set to elevate Australia’s legacy in race walking and drive medal success toward Brisbane 2032.

As one of Australia’s most decorated race walkers, Tallent has been appointed as Head Coach of the National Race Walks and Endurance Hub – formed through a partnership between the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), Australian Athletics and Athletics SA.

As a recent graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport's National Generation 32 (NatGen32) Coaching Program, Tallent said the program is a game changer for elite race walkers.

“This is a huge boost for Australian race walking,” Tallent said.

“For the first time ever, we have a dedicated national Hub at SASI, providing an unprecedented level of support for our athletes.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead this program and to support the development of athletes with the goal of producing medal capable race walkers, ready to perform at major international events, including the Olympic Games.”

The Hub will be based out of SASI’s new world-class high-performance facility in Mile End where current SASI scholarship holders Olivia Sandery (Paris Olympian), Elizabeth McMillen and Alanna Peart are already training as part of the program.

At last month’s World University Games, McMillen won gold in the 20km Race Walk in a Championship Record-equalling 1:28:18, and Sandery finished fifth to help secure silver in the team standings, capping off Australian Athletics’ most successful campaign ever at the Games.

“For me, this Hub means getting to train with other really great athletes – we all push each other to be better and we get to do that in a world-class facility,” Sandery said.

The aim is to double the number of scholarship holders by the end of 2025, with athletes continuing to relocate to Adelaide in the coming months.

Through this partnership, SASI will deliver leading-edge athlete performance support including exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports medicine, physiotherapy, biomechanics and sports psychology - ensuring athletes are comprehensively prepared for international competition.

SASI High-Performance Senior Manager Kevin Tabotta said the partnership is a major step in continuing Australia's success in race walking and long-distance disciplines.

“Australia has a proud tradition in race walking, and we’re thrilled to be working with Australian Athletics and Athletics SA to cement Adelaide as the home of elite race walking in this country,” Tabotta said.

“With Jared Tallent’s leadership and the support of SASI’s world-class performance team, this Hub will play a crucial role in preparing athletes for Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

Australia has consistently produced world-class race walkers, including Jemima Montag, Rhydian Cowley, Jane Saville and Nathan Deakes, with the nation participating in Olympic race walking since its inception.

Australian Athletics General Manager – High Performance, Andrew Faichney said the establishment of this new Hub ensures that proud legacy carries on into the future.

“Race walking has long been a cornerstone for success in Australian athletics, and this partnership ensures we remain a world force in the discipline,” Faichney said.

“With Jared at the helm and the backing of SASI’s performance expertise, we’re not only honouring a proud legacy but building the foundations for podium success in Brisbane and beyond.”

In addition to race walking, SASI’s individual road running endurance athletes will also be performance managed through the Hub, aligning expertise and resources across endurance disciplines.

Athletics SA CEO Shane Fuller said the Hub represents a bold and strategic commitment to nurturing the next generation of Australian race walking talent, where South Australia is leading the way.

“This is an exciting opportunity to expand on our strong relationship with SASI and Australian Athletics to create a new performance pathway that will strengthen the future of athletics in our State,” Fuller said.

“South Australia has a strong history of high-level performances in race walking and distance running events, and we look forward to supporting local athletes and welcoming athletic talent to Adelaide under this initiative.”