9th December 2009

Idowu Coaching Award

 

09 December 2009

Coaches of World Championship gold medallist Phillips Idowu were recognised in last nights’ Sports Coach UK Coaching Awards for 2009.

At the prestigious event, Idowu’s current and previous coaches were honoured in the The Coaching Chain: The Appreciation of Coaching Award . The award recognises contributions made by a group of coaches over a period of time in helping an athlete achieve their potential.

The World champion triple jumper was at the event to pay tribute to Humphrey Long, his PE teacher who introduced him to the triple jump; John Powell who coached Idowu as a teenager at Belgrave Harriers; and John Herbert and Aston Moore, both of whom have guided the Hackney-born star to podium places.

Sprint hurdles coach Malcolm Arnold was nominated for the lifetime achievement award at the same event, and although he did not win, 2009 will go down as a highly successful year with Lawrence Clarke winning the European Junior gold over 110m hurdles, and David Greene making the final in impressive form at the World Championships.

Reflecting on the recognition for athletics coaches, UKA’s Head of Coaching and Development Kevin Tyler said:

“I am delighted for Phillips’ coaching team to have received this award. The coaching ladder is something UKA have always recognised and key to the progress of every athlete. This award is proof that  success in athletics is something that is created over a period of time and that many people can play a part in an athlete’s progression. It is fitting that they should be acknowledged in this way."