Episode #9: Tim Dettmann: From Elite Sport to Helping Everyday Australians Move Again

In this energizing episode of Execs Who Run, we meet Tim Dettmann—a passionate health leader, driven entrepreneur, and committed endurance runner with a bold vision for a healthier Australia.

Growing up on 20 acres in country Victoria, Tim’s life was rooted in motion—chasing siblings, running cross-country, and developing a discipline that would shape his career and athletic journey. Initially aspiring to be an AFL physio, his path shifted when he realized his purpose lay not with elite athletes, but with everyday Australians. As a founding partner of Kieser Australia, Tim helped scale the business to 26 clinics nationwide, pioneering a model that merged physiotherapy with strength training for middle-aged and older Australians—those most in need yet least served by traditional gyms.

Tim's leadership journey is one of curiosity, humility, and growth. He pursued an MBA at 25, sought out countless mentors, and moved through roles from clinician to Chief Marketing Officer, always anchored by a desire to improve lives. But after nearly 15 years, Tim stepped away—not to slow down, but to expand his impact. His sabbatical included global adventures, meaningful work with Indigenous triathletes via TriMob, and surfing with autistic children through Ocean Heroes.

As a runner, Tim has relentlessly pursued his personal potential. After clocking a 2:43 marathon in Berlin, he’s now eyeing a sub-2:40 in Chicago. But his real race is against inertia—the societal drift away from health. Tim champions strength training as foundational to lifelong wellness and sees running not just as sport, but as training for resilience in life and leadership.

This episode is a blueprint for anyone seeking to align passion with purpose—and to do it all at pace.