CombatAUS will continue to build on its world-class systems, performance programs and strategic vision following the appointment of Andrew Nolen as High Performance Director.
Nolen is a dynamic and collaborative leader with the experience and drive to further enhance the High Performance experience across our Member Sports of Judo, Taekwondo and Wrestling.
His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for CombatAUS as we strive to ensure our athletes and coaches are given every opportunity to be at their best on the international stage.
Nolen blends innovation and ambition with the continuity that comes with being familiar with the CombatAUS environment, which he joined in 2020 as the Performance Pathways Manager.
He has been acting High Performance Director since February and navigated a rigorous, transparent and highly competitive recruitment process that included more than 80 applicants to earn the position on a permanent basis.
CombatAUS Chief Executive Officer Alex Vallentine said the appointment positions the organisation for long-term success and Nolen was the ideal fit to evolve and improve athlete development and performance.
“Andrew stood out in a competitive field for his leadership qualities, strategic thinking and deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain High Performance systems,” Vallentine said.
“His appointment is a strong signal of our intent to build on recent progress and take our programs to the next level of success.”
Nolen said he was motivated to serve the CombatAUS community and work hand-in-hand with Member Sports to build towards LA2028.
“My immediate focus will be on listening, engaging with our system partners and ensuring the performance environments and programs for the athletes are optimised as we launch into this new cycle,” Nolen said.
“We know the path to the podium in international combat sports is challenging, but through collaboration and alignment, I believe there are significant opportunities ahead.
“We are fortunate to have a core of world-class coaches and performance staff leading our programs, and off the back of our Combat LA2028+ High Performance Strategy and increased system investment aligned to Win Well 2032+, we have a strong foundation to drive success across this cycle and the next.”
Nolen begins his role immediately and will be based in Melbourne at the CombatAUS National Performance Centre.
