08 June 2009

UKA today announced the first wave of recruitment of key coaching positions under new Head Coach Charles van Commenee and Kevin Tyler, Head of Coaching and Development. Six National Event Coaches have been appointed in the areas of men’s and women’s sprints, pole vault, triple jump, long jump and hurdles.

Michael Khmel and Tony Lester will assume responsibility of men’s and women’s sprints respectively; this will also incorporate the relay programmes. Steve Rippon will become the National Event Coach in pole vault, whilst Aston Moore will focus on triple jump, Malcolm Arnold the hurdles and John Herbert the long jump.

The six National Event Coaches join Robert Weir who is already operating in the area of heavy throws and Ian Stewart who has been appointed to oversee endurance events.

Commenting on the appointments Head Coach Charles van Commenee said: “These appointments are a major step forward in shaping our ambitions for 2012 and the wider development of the sport. The National Event Coaches will serve a dual purpose; firstly the dedicated coaching of individual athletes heading towards London and secondly supporting Kevin in enhancing the development of the event and the coaching within it.”

Kevin Tyler, whose key focus is on enhancing the long term development of the events added: “Both Charles and I are coaches first and foremost and the appointment of these National Event Coaches is the next step towards returning to a coach led sport. In addition to the elite side of things with Charles, the National Event Coach team will work alongside me in developing events and mentoring younger coaches as we re-establish the UK as world leaders in coach education.”

The National Event Coaches assumed their roles officially on 1st June, although John Herbert will begin in post at the conclusion of this summer’s IAAF World Championships in Berlin. In the coming weeks, more appointments will be announced.