09 February 2012

UKA have today announced the appointment of established sprint coach Mike McFarlane to the role of assistant relay coach, supporting the women’s 4x100m relay squad in their vital 2012 preparations.

The role, which will see McFarlane team up with UKA’s Olympic coach Lloyd Cowan, ensures that the vital relay preparations of the Aviva GB & NI team are fully supported during the key Olympic build-up.

McFarlane, no stranger to relay action as a coach and also during his own successful sprint career culminating in Olympic and Commonwealth silver medals, has continued to develop sprint talents, and more recently has been the driving force behind the coaching of prodigious young sprinter Jodie Williams.

UKA Head Coach Charles Van Commenee said of the appointment:

"The home Games affords us a unique opportunity to increase the man power working in support of our athletes, and Mike offers a high level of experience in relay preparations in the build up to London.

"Lloyd Cowan has a strong squad of athletes who will continue to require his full focus in the approach to August, and that coupled with his responsibility of the 4x400m squad means that it is smart to bring in additional expertise to assist in this area.

“Mike has excellent experience in coaching relays, and his continued presence as a successful coach in the sprint community means he is already a familiar face to our key athletes.”

McFarlane said:

“I’m delighted to be involved with the women’s 4×100 relay team.

“It’s great that I was asked. It’s a home Olympics and you can’t get any bigger than that. It’s essential that the athletes get the best possible preparation going in to the Games and I’m more than happy to oblige.

“I’ve known Lloyd for years and we’ve coached and competed in the same patch for a long time now so I’m looking forward to working with him and the squad.”