21 May 2010

UKA today announced the appointment of former GB Olympian Shaun Pickering as National Event Lead: Heavy Throws, building on his recent successful consultancy work for the sport.

Pickering, who will be based from 1st June at UKA’s National Performance Centre in Loughborough, will provide leadership within the Heavy Throws event area including technical methodology, coaching programmes and event development programmes, and will work alongside UKA’s Strategic Head of Coaching and Development, Kevin Tyler, Home Countries National Coach Mentors and UKA Development and Apprentice Coaches.

The position will also include development across the Olympic and Paralympic programmes, and will serve a performance management role with athletes as required.

Kevin Tyler, UKA’s Strategic Head of Coaching and Development, said: “Shaun has been integral to a number of innovative and successful events delivered by UKA in recent years, most notably the World Class Throws Conference held in 2007. His contacts in the sport are extremely valuable and with that he’s been able further develop the knowledge and experience he gained from participating at the highest level himself.

“He’s well respected in the sport and will undoubtedly serve as a strong leader for Heavy Throws events in the UK, working effectively with coaches and athletes to contribute to and enrich the coaching culture within athletics.”

Pickering added: “For several months now I have acted as a Heavy Throws Consultant to UKA and have worked closely with the coaches in this area to establish just how we can move this fantastic area of the sport forward and to ensure that they have the best knowledge and practices available to them. It is important that we work together to ensure not only representation at 2012, but also a long term plan to bring athletes through for 2016 and beyond.”