Tom Hintnaus
University of Hawaii Assistant Coach - Pole Vault
2x Olympian | 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials Gold Medalist | Former South American Record Holder
Renowned pole vaulter and two-time Olympian Tom Hintnaus enters his first season with the Hawai‘i track & field program in 2025, joining the staff as an assistant coach specializing in the pole vault. . A standout at the University of Oregon, Hintnaus competed for four years at the collegiate level before rising to international prominence in the early 1980s, Hintnaus brings more than 25 years of coaching experience at the international, high school, and now collegiate 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 Brazil at the 1984 Olympics, finishing 12th overall. His 1985 jump of 5.76m set a South American record that stood for 22 years. During his elite career, he also claimed a bronze medal at the 1983 Pan American Games and placed fifth at the 1983 World Championships.
After retiring from competition, Hintnaus transitioned into training, leading athletes at both the international level—most notably with the South African national team—and across Hawai‘i’s top high school programs. During his 11-year tenure at Punahou School (2012–2022), he coached three state champions in the pole vault.
With a deep passion for the event and decades of experience, Hintnaus brings a wealth of knowledge and elite-level insight to the Rainbow Wahine track & field program.