Athletics Canada names Glenroy Gilbert Head Coach, Simon Nathan High Performance Director

“I look forward to this new opportunity as we continue to grow the sport domestically and internationally,” said Gilbert. “Alongside Simon, we are committed to elevating our status worldwide.”

Gilbert’s recent accomplishments are impressive, he led the men’s 4x100-metre relay team to a bronze medal at the 2015 IAAF World Championships and at the 2016 Olympic Games. Also in Rio, he led the women’s 4x400-metre relay team to a fourth-place finish, and the women’s 4x100-metre relay team to a seventh-place finish. From 2006 to 2014 he was Athletics Canada’s lead relay coach, in 2014-2015 he worked with the Canadian Paralympic Committee in the position of Senior Coordinator, High Performance and Games Enhancements. As a coach, he has attended four Olympic Games and seven World Championships.

“The first order of business is to ensure athletes and coaches have everything they need to perform at their best ahead of the IAAF World Championships in London,” said Gilbert when asked what comes next. “Performance on demand continues to be our number one focus. We are emerging from an outstanding Canadian Championships and will keep the momentum throughout our preparation camps in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Guadalajara, Spain; and then into London for the IAAF World Championships. Our coach-led, athlete-centered approach is paramount to our continued international success.”

“It’s a real honour to be asked to lead the Athletics Canada High Performance program,” said Nathan. “Canadian success at recent Olympics, Paralympics and World Athletics Championships has been noticed and respected around the world. I’m looking forward to working with athletes and coaches to build on that success.”

Nathan will officially begin in his new role in September, but will start immediately in an observational role. “I want to take full advantage of the opportunity to watch the Canadian teams prepare for and compete at the World Para Athletics Championships, and then IAAF World Championships in London.”

When asked about Gilbert filling the position of Head Coach, Nathan said “I’m very impressed with Glenroy, and I know that he will make an outstanding Head Coach. I’m confident that together we can make a lasting and positive impact on high performance athletics in Canada.”

Nathan held the position of High Performance Director with Athletics Australia from 2013 to 2016. From 2003 to 2013 he held various roles with UK Athletics, including Head of Performance Operations from 2009 to 2013. He was Head of Delegation, Team Leader or Team Manager at three Olympic Games and one Paralympic Games and also holds experience from a number of IAAF and World Para Athletics Championships, Commonwealth Games, World University Games, European Championships and other major international events.

The 2017 World Para Athletics Championships run July 14 to 23 in London, England. The 2017 IAAF World Championships, also taking place in London, begin Aug. 4 and end Aug. 13.

For media requests:

Jim McDannald
jmcdannald@athletics.ca
514 549 8165