21 November 2012

UK Athletics’ has today named Paula Dunn as the newly appointed Paralympic Head Coach.  

Dunn was an integral part of the Paralympic coaching team who dramatically turned around the performance of GB athletes since the 2008 Paralympic Games, with the team finishing second in the medal table in the 2011 World Championships and third at the London Paralympic Games this summer.

As a former 100m European bronze and Commonwealth silver medallist, Dunn is no stranger to the pressures of being a leading international athlete and her extensive experience in both competing and coaching on the world stage are a unique and valuable asset to the Paralympic team.

Dunn, who takes up the post with immediate effect said:

“London 2012 had an amazing impact on Paralympic sport in this country and we have a real opportunity to build on that over the next four years. I believe that there is more talent out there and I am looking forward to unearthing that talent and building on the success of 2012.

“Working closely with Peter over the past four years has been superb, but I am looking forward to taking the reins and continuing what is in effect a long term plan to see further medal success in Rio in 2016.

”As a former European and Commonwealth Games medallist, I know the commitment, passion and sheer determination it takes to achieve the very best. I have used this experience to develop some of the best Paralympic athletes in the world and I can’t wait to take the team to the next level.”

UKA Performance Director Neil Black said:

“Paula played a significant role in the Paralympic team’s success at London 2012 and she is an outstanding appointment who will ensure continuity as well as further improvements in fulfilling this role.

“Whilst the Paralympic team was excellent in London, finishing third in the world with 29 medals, 11 of which were golds, there is a great platform on which to build and I believe that we can still improve for Rio 2016.”

Follow this link for Josie Pearson’s reaction to Paula Dunn’s appointment:

http://www.uka.org.uk/media/news/november-2012/22-11-12-josie-pearson/