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[about]

Redefining what it means to be an athlete.

Helping youth, adults, and everyday athletes move better, grow stronger, and perform with confidence for life.

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At Athlete Foundry, we believe that anyone who shows up with purpose and a willingness to grow deserves access to high-quality coaching and a supportive performance environment.

Whether you're a young athlete developing foundations, an emerging athlete wanting to progress or an adult wanting to feel stronger and healthier, you belong here.

 

We understand the challenges people face — confusing information, lack of guidance, low confidence, past injuries, or feeling out of place in traditional gyms. That’s why we created a space where movement is taught well, progress is intentional, and every athlete is supported by coaches who genuinely care.

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Athlete Foundry is founded by Melissa and Craig Smith — educators, performance coaches, and parents who are passionate about helping people reach their potential. With backgrounds in human nutrition, strength and conditioning, education, and youth development, we bring together science-based coaching and a positive, community-driven environment.

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[You’re in capable hands]

Our combined experience includes

BSc Human Nutrition

Certificate In Applied Sports Nutrition (SNA)

BPhed Exercise Prescription

Strength and Conditioning Coaching (ASCA Level 1)

Long-Term Athlete Development (Expert mentoring from Dr. Craig Harrison)

School leadership and mentoring

Youth athlete academy programming

Individual, group, and team coaching

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Woman lifting barbell in gym, exercising and working on fitness.
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[OUR MISSION]

Our mission is to raise the standard of athlete development in North Otago and redefine what it means to train, learn, and perform — no matter your starting point.

Athlete Mindset. Everyday Performance.

[Athlete Foundry grew from a simple belief]

You shouldn’t have to live in a big centre to access high-quality athletic development and coaching.

For years, young athletes, parents, and adults in Oamaru have needed a space that offers structured training, expert guidance, and a community that feels welcoming — not intimidating.

What began as Melissa Smith Total Wellbeing expanded into:

  • a youth athlete academy

  • sport nutrition support

  • mental skills development

  • performance coaching

  • now… a purpose-built performance gym

Athlete Foundry is the evolution of that journey — a place where foundations are built, confidence grows, and performance becomes possible for everyone.

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Athlete Foundry is our performance gym and training space, offering youth development programmes, adult coaching, 24/7 gym access, recovery services, and performance testing. Sports Nutrition services are delivered through Melissa Smith Total Wellbeing — the nutrition branch of our business — led by Melissa Smith, Registered Clinical Nutritionist and Accredited Sports Nutritionist. Together, both brands support athletes and active individuals to train well, fuel well, and perform with confidence.

How the brands work together

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