27 May 2009

Former Birmingham HiPAC director Alison Wyeth has been appointed to the role of Commonwealth and Olympic  Games Project Manager by UKA .

In this innovative new role, Wyeth will  assist England Athletics with the operational and logistical planning and delivery of the England Team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, before moving on to a similar role for the GB&NI Team at the 2012 Olympic Games. 

Wyeth, who has also previously worked as England Athletics’ National Performance Lead will form an essential link between the two bodies, sharing expertise and overseeing details such as preparation camps, team conferences, squads, warm weather training during the crucial approach to 2012. The role will work closely alongside that of  Andrew Day, England Athletics’ Head of Competitions and Teams.

On her appointment, Wyeth said:  “This is an essential role for athletics going forward and it is a great opportunity to work closely with teams for England and Great Britain.

“There is a significant overlap in the planning required for both teams, and I aim to use my experience to ensure every consideration is covered in the approach to these two major championships.”

UKA Head Coach Charles van Commenee said: “This is a key appointment and it will ensure our athletes and their coaches can focus solely on performance at these events, it is essential that everything is coordinated to a world class level and Alison brings with her that ability.

England Athletics CEO Mike Summers said: “It is great to welcome Alison into our extended team going forward. By making sure no stone goes unturned in our logistical planning, this behind-the-scenes work will enable us to ensure Team England athletes have the best possible support in their approach to Delhi.

During Summer 2009, Wyeth will also fulfil the role of Interim Team Leader overseeing the Aviva GB and NI junior team in their preparations for the European Junior Championships at Novi Sad, Serbia in July, following on from previous team leader Martin Rush who left after seven years in the post.