Having previously represented the Australian Sailing Team (AST) internationally in the ILCA 7 class for several years, Mitch Kennedy is returning to his coaching roots as the State Performance Pathway Manager – QLD within the Performance Pathways Team.

Mitch has been an Accredited Sailing Coach with Australian Sailing and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) since 2011, and is now making the move to coaching full time after working successfully as an Exercise Physiologist for the last few years.

The full-time role is the result of the ongoing partnership between Australian Sailing and the QAS, as the two organisations work together to build the program and align it to Australian Sailing’s High Performance strategy.

Kennedy is excited to get stuck into the role and work with promising Queensland athletes on their on and off water skills and preparation.

“I’m absolutely stoked to be heading the Queensland team. Having been an athlete myself I know how important it is to have good coaches around you and represent your team, so to come back now in a management and leadership role I’m really excited to work hard and get the Queensland team performing at its best,” started Kennedy.

“With my exercise physiologist background, I’m excited to bring some sports science and innovation to the program, just to find out what works best for the athletes from a sports science perspective.

“It’s pretty surreal but also quite humbling that the work that I did as an athlete has been noticed and to come back on board will be a great opportunity for sure,” he finished.

The set-up for Emerging and Developing athletes in Queensland also includes a world-class performance support team of practitioners, delivered through the strong partnership with the QAS.

“Mitch has a strong background in the ILCA 7 as an athlete and brings with that coaching experience coupled with exercise physiology knowledge,” started National Performance Pathway Manager Ken Lynch.

“He brings expertise to the program that will help QAS sailors focus in on what is important to their development and with the other program coaches support the delivery of that in Queensland daily training environment,

“We look forward to seeing Mitch driving this program towards success in 2028, 2032 and beyond,” finished Lynch.

Following his 2013 World U21 Championship win, Kennedy competed with the AST in the ILCA 7 class for seven years. His elite competition experience as well as his practical and theoretical knowledge will assist him to not only benefit the skills and technique of the athletes, but to also make a meaningful contribution to their overall wellbeing.

Joining the growing Performance Pathways Team in Queensland, Kennedy is sure to make a large impact on local athletes and contribute to their future success.

Australian Sailing encourages athletes, coaches and parents to connect with the Queensland team as they embark on their new roles with the organisation.