Welsh Athletics Head of Coaching John Dagata is proud to announce the appointment of the new performance staff team for Wales.
A transparent and equitable application process was completed and three Event Lead Coaches have been added to complete the performance team. “I wanted to make sure from the beginning we were able to have a nucleus of great educators who can lead their respective event areas into the future.” The three Event Lead Coach positions were advertised to help cultivate an environment throughout Wales and direct athletics through the 2010 Commonwealth Games, London 2012, and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. ‘I’m very proud to say the group we have assembled is very knowledgeable in their respective event areas and bring a level of experience that will help guide and support all levels of athletics in Wales.”
Dave Lease has been appointed Sprints, Hurdles, & Relays Event Lead Coach. Dave has considerable international experience and a proven track record of developing elite performers; he will add to the great history of Welsh speed and power athletes. “Having the opportunity to learn from Dave Lease, coach to Jason Gardiner (9.98 – 100m and Olympic Champion) will give our coaches an opportunity to develop and add to the history of Welsh Athletics.”
Darrell Maynard, who has been appointed Endurance Event Lead Coach, is personal coach to many of the present athletes for Wales in middle distance events. “Darrell has previously been a Welsh Athletics Development Performance Coach, with the year that his athletes have had, he has really earned this position. I know he will bring the same detail and determination to this role.”
Scott Simpson has been appointed Jumps Event Lead Coach. Scott, a former Welsh Pole Vault Record Holder and 2006 Commonwealth Games representative, has taken to coaching at an accelerated pace. “Scott brings a new age of athletics energy to this role with a unique approach and style. It seems weather it’s coaching, performing, or analysing he brings the same level of desire.”
The Welsh Athletics Performance Staff Team now has the experience, knowledge, and determination to lead athletics from all areas of expertise. Already hard at work the team has already planned future events in the calendar. There will be a Coaching and Performance Series starting on Sunday 19th September in NIAC, for all coaches. The theme will be: Planning and General Preparation. The newly appointed Performance Staff will also help to lead the 24 selected athletes in New Delhi, assisting Team Leader Mike Delaney in representing the great tradition of Wales at the Commonwealth Games.