John Steffensen is one of the nation's most recognisable track and field athletes, having won more international medals than any other Australian men's sprinter.
Born in Perth, Western Australia to South African immigrant parents, John went to school at Trinity College and Guildford Grammar. John’s journey to success was a difficult one, which involved him leaving his family in Perth, relocating to Sydney to work with a well-renowned coach Michael Khmel. His move was rewarded when he was selected in the Australian team to compete at the 2003 World Championships. After a terrific domestic season in 2004, John cemented his place in the national side and secured a place in the Athens Olympic team. He ran the first leg of the 4x400m Men’s relay and steered Australia to the silver medal – the first medal Australia had won in the event since the 1956 Olympics.
Following his Olympic success, John left Australia to train under track guru John Smith in California. His self-funded relocation paid dividends when he returned home to capture his first Australian Championship in 2006. He continued his outstanding form into the Commonwealth Games where he became the people’s champion. John has competed in three Olympic Games (2004, 2008 and 2012), in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and in numerous world and Australian championship events.
After retiring from Athletics in 2014, John has been working with young Australian athletic talent, as well as regularly co-hosting for Nine’s Wide World of Sports. His charisma and ambition has placed him as a leading force in Australian athletics. Most recently, he founded Nitro Athletics track and field series, with the intention of widening the sport’s fan base. He was also involved in recruiting leading star and close friend, Usain Bolt, as a co-investor and performer of the series. He is an Ambassador and is on the task force for the 2030 Commonwealth Games bid for greater Victoria. Outside of Athletics, John is involved in the motor racing scene and has a keen interest in boxing. John is also the owner of Bondi soap.
