DAGATA IS NEW
Matt Newman, CEO of Welsh Athletics, cyling
had words of praise for the new Head
HEAD COACH AT
of Coaching, “John is a top class
REBECCA CLAIMS
WELSH ATHLETICS
appointment and his presence will result
in huge benefi ts to our organisation
DOUBLE GOLD!
and more importantly to the sport of Abergavenny cyclist Rebecca James claimed
American coach John Dagata has been athletics. a second Gold medal at the World Track
appointed by Welsh Athletics as the new Head Championships in Moscow, Russia.
of Coaching for Wales. “John not only brings a wealth of
experience and undisputed technical James took a comfortable victory in the 'Keirin'
This appointment represents a signifi cant knowledge to Welsh Athletics, but he event - where riders are paced up to speed
step forward for Welsh Athletics and the also possesses the human skills needed behind a motorised bike before being unleashed
culmination of a long process of strengthening to establish the networks and personal in the frantic dash for the line.
of the organisation, to provide leadership for relations that will help the Welsh
coaching at all levels across Wales. coaching scene thrive at all levels, from The 17yr old had already claimed the Blue Riband
grassroots to elite.” Individual Sprint title, the event made famous
Dagata, from Lancaster, California, is by Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton's Olympic
currently based at Iowa State University and Mr Dagata will take up his new position success in Beijing. James had outwitted the local
has previously worked at the University of in September, when he will meet coaches favourite Ekaterina Gridenko to take two rounds
California – Santa Barbara. He is a highly all across Wales. One of the fi rst points of the 'best of three' sprint where two riders
qualifi ed coach (USATF) in throws, jumps and in his extensive to-do list will be to tactfully out manoeuvre each other around three
sprints and specialises in speed and power. evaluate and understand the strengths laps of the Velodrome before sprinting to the line.
With his engaging personality and energetic and weaknesses of the current coaching
approach, the new Welsh Athletics appointee system in Wales, and to rebuild the Rebecca's exceptional talent was also proven
will provide clear leadership for the talented coaching networks which have served during the qualifi cation rounds where she set a
coaching team in Wales. Welsh Athletics so well in the past and new World Record for the 'Flying 200'!
have helped athletes from the Principality
“I am very honoured and excited with the achieve every degree of success on the Rebecca is being fast tracked to the London
opportunity Welsh Athletics has given me,” national and international stage. Olympics by British Cycling where she will prove
said Dagata. “This will be the pinnacle of my direct competition for defending Champion
career!” athletics Victoria Pendleton in the Individual Sprint event.
sportingwales
issue8twothousand&nine
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