More changes at UK Athletics

Eurosport - Wed, 14 Oct 17:30:00 2009

Charles van Commenee continues to ring the changes at UK Athletics headquarters with the appointment of George Gandy as national event coach for endurance.

UK ATHLETICS - 0

Gandy, has more than 40 years experience in the field, having worked with double Olympic champion Sebastian Coe, and most recently coached Lisa Dobriskey to world 1500m silver in Berlin in August.

He becomes the eighth new national event coach since van Commenee took the reins at the start of 2009, following appointments men's and women's sprints, high jump, pole vault, triple jump, long jump, combined events and hurdles.

"I am deeply honored to be appointed as a National Event Coach for UKA," he said.

"I see myself working and supporting a plan which is already largely in place and look forward to forming successful partnerships with other leading coaches and athletes within the 800m to marathon event group.

"Having been associated with successful organisations and teams for a number of years, it is an exciting but challenging prospect to elevate this experience onto an international stage.

"The connection with the 2012 Olympics is obviously thrilling but the other major competitions on the way must not be forgotten."

While Great Britain exceeded expectations at the World Championships in August, coming home with six medals, including Dobriskey's silver, Kelly Holmes is the only Brit to claim an Olympic long-distance running medal since 1988.

Gandy will join forces with current head of endurance Ian Stewart and van Commenee believes the appointment will reap its rewards.

"To have George working as a National Event Coach brings us one step closer to competing strategic plans which were put into place earlier this year," he added.

"He brings with him vast experience and proven track record of coaching athletes to global medal success.

"George will pass on his knowledge and experience to athletes and other coaches as part of UKA's aims to develop the sport and create a sporting legacy."

More than the Games / Eurosport

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