Australian middle-distance runner Jess Hull is building on her 1500m Olympic silver medal from Paris 2024, after a bold move to return to being coached by her father, Simon Hull. The 29-year-old credits this family partnership with her recent successes, including a silver at the Wanamaker Mile and a gold medal at the world athletics cross-country championships mixed relay in Florida.
Simon Hull, a former national-level middle-distance runner, first coached his daughter in her early teens. Now, they write the training together, with Jess driving her own goals. Their connection is so intuitive that she can almost always pick his voice out of a crowd while racing. 'It is bigger than just coach and athlete,' she says.
Since 2023, Hull has won three world championship bronze medals, broken the world record in the 2000m (5:19.70), and set eight national records, including the 1500m (3:50.83) and 800m (1:57.15). She describes her father as 'extremely positive' and 'encouraging', and they never disagree.
Hull’s husband, Daniel Jolliffe, has also been on the circuit full-time, helping with pacing and support. Having her inner circle close helps her manage the increased public expectation following her Olympic medal, which made her the first Australian woman to win a 1500m Olympic medal.
While she respects rivals like Faith Kipyegon, Hull is focused on being 'one better' than in Paris, aiming for individual gold without intimidation. Her impact on the next generation is already being felt as she continues to professionalise her setup in Newcastle.
