16 April 2008

World Indoor triple jump champion Phillips Idowu today announced he has taken the decision to leave John Herbert’s training group.

The Belgrave Harrier will now work with the UKA Senior Performance Manager for field events, Aston Moore as he moves forward towards the Beijing Olympics.

Idowu said: “I have worked with John for the past ten years and I want to thank him for all he’s done for me.

“I am at the point where I want try new things as I dedicate everything to winning Olympic gold in Beijing.

“I believe this is the right decision for me and that now is the right time to make a change as I develop and move forward.”

UKA Performance Director Dave Collins said: “It’s always a difficult decision for an athlete to change coach.

“John Herbert has been instrumental in developing Phillips to be a genuinely world class competitor and I am sure any success Phillips enjoys in Beijing will be due in no small part to John.”

Phillips will now continue his preparations for the Beijing Olympics at a UKA warm weather training camp in Formia, Italy.