Vale: John Bloomfield

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame has advised the passing of esteemed Member Professor John Bloomfield at the age of 89.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame note that “hundreds of successful Australian sports men and women owe a debt to Prof. Bloomfield and his passion for a more scientific approach to training, technique and injury prevention in Australian Sport.

“He was foundation professor at Australia’s first university based Department of Human Movement (UWA 1974) and President of the Australian Sports Medicine Federation, now Sports Medicine Australia (1971).

“He was the driving force behind the foundation of the Australian Institute of Sport in 1980 and was its founding Deputy Chair and later Chair, as well as co-chair of the Australian Sports Commission 1987-89. John was also a driving force in founding the WA Institute of Sport in 1981.

“Prof. Bloomfield was later an Emeritus Professor at UWA, and his influence continues through the many former students and proteges who now hold significant positions in sports medicine and coaching.”

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair John Bertrand shared “John Bloomfield, a silent achiever. He was the driving force behind the foundation of the Australian Institute of Sport and was instrumental in improving injury prevention and applying a more specific approach to training and technique.

“His founding techniques are still being applied to this day. Our Aussie athletes and all of Australian sport thank him for his tireless contribution. Sport wouldn’t be where it is today without John.

“Our thoughts are with Noelene and the entire Bloomfield family.”

Read John Bloomfield's full biography here.