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Tom Hintnaus
University of Hawaii Assistant Coach - Pole Vault
Two Time Olympian | 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials Gold Medalist | South American
Record Holder for over 20 Years
Renowned Pole Vaulter and Two-Time Olympian Tom Hintnaus enters his first season with the Hawai’i Track & Field program, 2025, joining the staff as an Assistant Coach specializing in the pole vault. A standout at the University of Oregon, Hintnaus brings 20 years of competing at the high school, college, and world class levels, after his Vaulting career Tom started coaching for 25 years in the high school, college, and international levels.
Hintnaus rose to global prominence after winning gold at the 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials, emerging as a favorite for Olympic gold before the U.S. boycott. He later competed for his native country of Brazil at the 1984 Olympics. His P.R. of 5.76 (18’10”3/4) in 1985 set a South American record that stood for 22 years. During his elite career, he also claimed a gold medal in the 1980 U.S. substitute Olympics for the Free Nations, Bronze medal at the 1983 Pan American Games and place fifth at the 1983 World Championships.
After retiring from competition, Hintnaus transitioned into coaching top athletes at all levels – most notably with the South African national athletes, and across Hawai’i top high school programs. During his 11-year tenure at Punahou High School (2012-2022), he coached three State Champions. One pole vaulted the highest height ever in Hawaii history breaking the 16’ barrier for high school boys. With a deep passion for the event and decades of experience, Hintnaus brings a wealth of knowledge and world class elite-level insight to the Rainbow Wahini Track & Field program.