Michael Hetherington is a highly accomplished and driven Elite Athlete Performance Manager with a proven history of elevating athletes to peak performance levels on the national and international stage. With over 15 years of experience, Michael has worked with some of Australia’s top athletes across multiple sports, including basketball, diving, wheelchair basketball, and triathlon. He has played an integral role in leading performance management frameworks and optimising athlete outcomes through a combination of cutting-edge sports science and evidence-based methodologies.
As the current Performance Support Manager for AusTriathlon and Head of Performance Management & Rehab at the Clem Jones Centre, Michael is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive physical preparation, injury rehabilitation, and performance management processes for athletes at all levels. His extensive experience includes managing high-performance programs for organisations such as Diving Australia, the Brisbane Bullets, and the NSW Institute of Sport.
Michael’s expertise in athlete monitoring, rehabilitation protocol development, and long-term performance optimisation is complemented by his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, designing and implementing innovative systems that streamline athlete development and maximise results. His work has consistently contributed to international success, including at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies) and numerous advanced qualifications, including certifications from the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association and Exercise and Sports Science Australia. He is passionate about continuing his professional development and sharing his knowledge, having presented at various conferences on topics ranging from performance monitoring to power profiling in diving.
Driven by his commitment to sport and athlete well-being, Michael continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in elite athlete performance management, leveraging his extensive network and deep understanding of sports science to help athletes reach their full potential.