Imogen Russell: Multi-Talented Australian Athlete and Content Creator

Personal Background

Imogen Russell, commonly known as “Imi,” was born on August 16, 1999, making her currently 25 years old. She is an Australian track and field athlete who specializes in the 400-meter hurdles and 400-meter sprint events. Based in Australia, Imogen has established herself not only as a competitive athlete but also as a successful content creator, qualified dietitian, and inspiring role model for young people facing challenges in their athletic careers.

Athletic Accomplishments

Current Performance and Rankings

Personal Records:

• 400 Metres Hurdles: 1:01.46 (set on April 11, 2025, at WA Athletics Stadium, Perth)
• 400 Metres: 56.84 (set on March 21, 2025, at WA Athletics Stadium, Perth)
• 4×400 Metres Relay: 3:47.83 (set on December 14, 2024, at WA Athletics Stadium, Perth)
• 200 Metres: 25.68 (set on October 29, 2016)
• 60 Metres: 8.37 (set on January 14, 2017)

Current World Rankings:

• #542 in Women’s 400m Hurdles
• #1779 in Women’s 400m

Athletic Journey and Career Development

Imogen began competing at the national level in athletics when she was 15 years old, specializing in the 400m hurdles, which she “just loved.” She started training with her coach shortly after and has described her athletic journey over the past seven years as “a rollercoaster journey with more downs than ups.”

Her athletic career has been marked by significant challenges, including injuries and mental health struggles, which she has openly shared on her social media platforms. Despite these setbacks, she has continued to pursue her athletic goals with determination and resilience.

Goals and Aspirations

Imogen has expressed her athletic ambitions clearly: “To compete for Australia at a national level, and providing I can maintain my fitness, representing Australia in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in years ahead in the 400m Sprint and hurdle events.” Her long-term goals reflect her commitment to reaching the highest levels of international competition.

Education and Professional Development

Academic Achievements

Imogen has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her education alongside her athletic pursuits:

Current Education:

• Recently completed or is completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree
• Now working as an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Sports & Exercise Scientist

Professional Qualifications:

• Certificate III and IV in Personal Training
• Accredited Practicing Dietitian certification
• Athletics coaching accreditation through Athletics Australia’s iCoach system

Professional Experience

Imogen’s diverse work experience demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and versatility:

Current Professional Roles:

• Dietitian at New Leaf Dietetics
• Personal Trainer with certified qualifications
• Athletics Coach through the official Athletics Australia system
• Content Creator across multiple platforms

Previous Work Experience:

• Coaching athletics
• Personal training
• Retail work
• Television work as an extra on the popular Australian soap opera “Home and Away” (worked as a waitress in the diner scenes)
• Professional waitressing
• Modeling work
• Social media collaboration opportunities

Career Aspirations and Business Ventures

Dietetics and Health Services

As an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Imogen provides clinical dietetic services to clients with a range of conditions including:

• Eating disorders
• Diabetes management
• Weight management
• IBS and gastrointestinal diseases
• Autoimmune conditions
• Sports nutrition
• General wellness

Her professional experience includes clinical placements at major hospitals including Fiona Stanley Hospital in various wards (upper gastrointestinal, lower gastrointestinal, and intensive care unit) and Bentley Hospital, where she conducted food-waste audits and nutritional analysis projects.

Content Creation and Social Media

Imogen has built a significant online presence as a content creator and influencer:

Social Media Presence:

• Instagram: 36,000+ followers (@imogen.russell) with 1,571 posts
• YouTube Channel: Growing channel focused on lifestyle, health & fitness, studying, and personal development
• Additional Instagram: @wholefoodgram for nutrition-focused content
• Business Instagram: @imisinsight

Content Focus: Her content covers diverse topics including:

• Athletics and training
• Mental health awareness
• Study tips and university life
• Health and fitness
• Nutrition and recipes
• Personal development
• Travel experiences
• Friendship and relationships

Business and Entrepreneurship

Imogen has developed her own business ventures:

• Personal training services with comprehensive fitness programs
• Digital products including workout guides and training programs
• Dietetic consultation services through New Leaf Dietetics
• Brand partnerships and collaboration opportunities

Personal Interests and Character

Mental Health Advocacy

One of Imogen’s most significant contributions has been her openness about mental health challenges. She has shared her experiences with setbacks, injuries, and mental health struggles on her social media platforms, creating a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.

Her approach to mental health is holistic, combining her professional knowledge as a dietitian and exercise scientist with personal experience as an athlete who has overcome significant obstacles.

Environmental Consciousness

Imogen has expressed interests in environmental issues and sustainability, incorporating these values into her content and personal life choices.

Fitness and Training Philosophy

Beyond competitive athletics, Imogen is passionate about making fitness accessible and enjoyable for others. Her philosophy emphasizes:

• Strength training to complement athletic performance
• Rehabilitation and injury prevention
• Making training fun and sustainable
• Building confidence through physical activity

Media and Entertainment

Her experience in the entertainment industry, including her work on “Home and Away,” demonstrates her versatility and willingness to explore different opportunities outside of athletics.

Inspirational Leadership and Role Model Status

Youth Mentorship

Imogen has become an influential figure for young people, particularly young athletes and students. Her honest approach to sharing both successes and struggles has resonated with her audience.

Key Messages:

• “Never give up on yourself or your goals. If you have a dream, GO GET IT.”
• “What’s the worst that could happen? If the worst that could happen is you get judged or embarrassed, I don’t think that’s a good enough reason to not have a go at something you want to do.”
• “No one does [have confidence to start], you just have to do it.”

Overcoming Adversity

Imogen’s story is particularly powerful because of her transparency about setbacks. She has dealt with:

• Serious injuries requiring extensive rehabilitation
• Mental health challenges
• Career uncertainties
• The pressure of balancing multiple pursuits

Her ability to continue pursuing her goals while helping others through similar struggles makes her a compelling role model.

Training and Athletic Development

Current Training Approach

Imogen trains both on the track with her training squad and in the gym, emphasizing:

• Strength and conditioning work
• Technical hurdles training
• Sprint development
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation
• Core stability and flexibility

Team Environment

She has described her training group as a “family,” highlighting the importance of community and support in her athletic development. The team environment provides her with motivation and the collaborative spirit that fuels her passion for the sport.

Current Status and Future Outlook

Athletic Development

As of 2025, Imogen continues to compete actively in athletics while building her professional career. Her recent performances show ongoing commitment to improvement, with personal bests achieved in 2025 in both her primary events.

Professional Growth

Her transition from student to qualified professional while maintaining her athletic career demonstrates exceptional time management and dedication. Her diverse skill set positions her well for long-term career success beyond athletics.

Content Creation Evolution

Imogen’s social media presence continues to grow, with her authentic approach to sharing her journey resonating with audiences seeking genuine content about athletic life, professional development, and personal growth.

Community Impact

Health and Fitness Education

Through her combined expertise as an athlete, dietitian, and personal trainer, Imogen provides valuable education about:

• Proper nutrition for athletic performance
• Safe training practices
• Mental health awareness in sports
• Balance between academic and athletic pursuits

Inspiration for Young Athletes

Her story particularly resonates with young athletes who face the common challenges of:

• Balancing education and sport
• Dealing with injuries and setbacks
• Managing mental health in competitive environments
• Planning for life beyond competitive athletics

Recognition and Media Coverage

Imogen has been featured in various media outlets and platforms:

• Featured as “Member of the Month” at Health Mates Fitness Centre (March 2018)
• Interviewed by Vertex 360 as a featured influencer
• Regular content creator across multiple social platforms
• Podcast host, including interviews with fellow athletes like Ella Randazzo

Imogen Russell represents a new generation of athletes who successfully balance competitive sport with professional development, content creation, and community service. Her journey from a teenage national-level athlete through challenges and setbacks to become a qualified health professional and inspiring content creator demonstrates remarkable resilience and versatility. Her commitment to helping others through her professional work and authentic sharing of her experiences makes her a valuable role model for young people pursuing their dreams in sport and beyond.

Go Imogen!