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John Steffensen |
A former long jumper, John made the move from Perth to Sydney in the winter of 2002 to train in Michael Khmel’s sprint squad. The relocation quickly paid dividends when, in February 2003, John was selected for the World Championships in Paris.
John was a big improver during the 2003-04 domestic season and was rewarded with a bronze medal at the Nationals and selection for the Olympics. In Athens, he ran the first leg of the 4 x 400m relay, in which his team won the silver medal!
He spent the early part of the 2004-05 domestic season training in California under renowned US coach John Smith, returning to place second at the Nationals.
In what was arguably then Australia‘s most competitive track event, John won his first National title in 2006 that doubled as the selection trial for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
He dominated the 400m at the Games, defeating a world-class field. He doubled his gold medal collection when he ran an inspiring lead-off leg in the 4 x 400m relay team.
At the World Championships, expectations for John were high, including those he had put on himself. Keen to better his 2005 performance, John unfortunately finished fourth in the semi-final just missing a spot in the final. However, he did write history, both of his heat and semi-final runs were inside the previous best time produced by an Australian at the World Championships.
A niggling injury throughout the 2007-08 season meant John only competed at the Australian Athletics Championships, finishing the final in 2nd (46.17). He would be selected to compete for Australia at his second Olympic Games in both the 400m and 400m relay squad. The injury trouble continued for John and he made a decision to focus on the relay team in Beijing. Aiming to replicate the silver success of Athens, the team went into the final with high expectations, they ran the second fastest time ever by an Australian team, finishing 6th (3.00.02).
John is available now for guest appearances, speaking engagements, interviews commercial and endorsement opportunities. |
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