Andrew Bennie

The coach of Italian fencer Beatrice Maria Vio Grandis installs her prosthesis. Thomas Padilla/AP Photo

September 9, 2024

If we truly want our Paralympic athletes to shine, their coaches need more support

Andrew Bennie, Western Sydney University; Emma Beckman, The University of Queensland; Robert Townsend, University of Waikato, and Steven Rynne, The University of Queensland

Other nations have begun to invest more seriously in para sports, which may be a sign Australia needs to invest more in coaches of future Paralympians.

Joe Giddens/AAP

August 8, 2021

‘When you get home it’s really lonely’: new research shows how athletes cope with post‑Olympic life

Courtney Walton, The University of Melbourne and Andrew Bennie, Western Sydney University

A solid post-Olympic plan and the support of others can make all the difference when it comes to transitioning to a ‘normal’ life.

Harley Windsor’s visibility before, during and after these Winter Olympics may just be the catalyst to inspire future generations of Indigenous athletes. AAP/Brendan Esposito

February 13, 2018

In Harley Windsor, Australia has its first Indigenous Winter Olympian – why has it taken so long?

Andrew Bennie, Western Sydney University and Keith Parry, Western Sydney University

While Harley Windsor’s selection deserves celebration, it’s surprising that it has taken until now for an Indigenous Australian to compete at a Winter Olympics.

Sporting coaches are often viewed as positive role models and mentors for their players. Reuters/Sergio Moraes

August 21, 2016

Here’s to coaches, unsung heroes and role models for social change

Andrew Bennie, Western Sydney University and Nicholas Apoifis, UNSW

Olympic athletes play an important role within the sport-for-development agenda. But because they both inspire and lead, coaches may be better placed to assume that mantle.

Research found that community coaches were unclear about the common signs and symptoms of concussion. from www.shutterstock.com

August 1, 2016

Sports coaches need to be educated about concussion to keep players safe on the field

Jeff Caron, McGill University and Andrew Bennie, Western Sydney University

School and community sports coaches’ lack of knowledge about concussion leaves players vulnerable on the pitch.

Plenty of young Aboriginal people play football. Why aren’t they moving into professional coaching? Rusty Stewart

June 13, 2016

Why are so few professional sport coaches from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?

Andrew Bennie, Western Sydney University; Demelza Marlin, and Nicholas Apoifis, UNSW

Coaches are mentors, community leaders and educators who can change lives. But Aboriginal coaches find it hard to step up to the next level - is a form of racism at play?

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