14 October 2009

UKA today announced the appointment of George Gandy as National Event Coach for Endurance, working under Head of Endurance Ian Stewart, as part of the new performance structure put in place by Head Coach Charles van Commenee.

Gandy, who has over 40 years experience in the sport, has long been recognised as one of the UK’s top endurance coaches and has worked with athletes such as Seb Coe, Jon Brown and Jack Buckner from his renowned Loughborough University coaching base.

Among his many achievements he worked with Coe through to 800m and 1500m Olympic gold and Buckner to 5000m European gold but most recently he coached 1500m talent Lisa Dobriskey to World Championship silver in Berlin.

Gandy said: “I am deeply honored to be appointed as a National Event Coach for UKA. I see myself working and supporting a plan which is already largely in place and look forward to forming successful partnerships with other leading coaches and athletes within the 800m to marathon event group.

“Having been associated with successful organisations and teams for a number of years, it is an exciting but challenging prospect to elevate this experience onto an international stage. The connection with the 2012 Olympics is obviously thrilling but the other major competitions on the way must not be forgotten.”

Commenting on the appointment, van Commenee said: “To have George working as a National Event Coach brings us one step closer to competing strategic plans which were put into place earlier this year. He brings with him vast experience and proven track record of coaching athletes to global medal success.

“George will pass on his knowledge and experience to athletes and other coaches as part of UKA’s aims to develop the sport and create a sporting legacy.“

Since van Commenee’s appointment in early 2009 eight National Event Coaches have been appointed in the areas of men’s and women’s sprints, high jump, pole vault, triple jump, long jump, combined events and hurdles.