Skate Australia strengthens leadership team on road to LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032

Skate Australia has bolstered its High-Performance program with key new appointments, signalling a new era as the countdown to LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 gathers momentum.

Earlier this year, Daniel Mangano joined as General Manager – Skateboarding High Performance, leading the strategic and operational direction of Street and Park skateboarding.

Joining him in a dual leadership model is Shari Duffy, Skate Australia’s first ever National Technical Lead. With more than 25 years’ experience in skateboarding, including judging at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Shari will drive the technical delivery of the High-Performance Strategy and ensure athletes and coaches are supported to thrive. Shari’s vision also includes advancing coach development, embedding inclusive culture, and safeguarding the essence of Australian skateboarding as performance systems evolve.

Further strengthening the HP program, Kenny Dudek has been appointed as Operations Manager, bringing 17 years’ experience in Olympic and World Championship campaigns through his work with AusCycling including expertise in logistics, program management, and athlete support that will help ensure Skate Australia’s systems run seamlessly.

Athlete health and wellbeing play an integral role to performance, and this area will be led by Dr Tom McWilliams, as the new Skate Australia Chief Medical Officer. With a strong background in emergency medicine and sports medicine, and experience supporting elite teams including the Brisbane Broncos and Football Australia, Dr McWilliams will play a vital role in athlete care with his dual expertise as both a doctor and former elite youth footballer ensuring a holistic approach to athlete care.

Building the next generation

Alongside these appointments, Skate Australia is opening applications for three exciting new coaching roles within the pathways system:

Park Skateboarding Pathways Coach Street Skateboarding Pathways Coach Queensland Development Coach

These appointments and opportunities mark a pivotal step in building a world-class system to support Australia’s skateboarders as they grow and develop in the sport from participation through to elite. To view the Park and Street Skateboarding Pathways Coach roles on Sportspeople website click here To view the Queensland Development Coach role:

QLD Development Coach EOI Sep25.pdf

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