The depth of high performing athletes in the Distance and Walks events in New Zealand has always been strong. There is no exception this year leading into the 2024 Olympics in Paris and 2024 World Under 20’s in Peru.
This ongoing success is achieved through innovative programs and camps; athlete selection in High Performance programs; coach development; athlete/coach engagement and collaboration; plus, many community-based initiatives.
The Event Group Lead, with the assistance from the Event Group Coach will lead the implementation of the Event Group Initiatives while working closely with the Event Group Co-ordinator who will oversee each initiative and offer platforms for athletes/coaches to provide feedback after each initiative is implemented.
Contact: Maria Hassan – Event Group Lead maria@athletics.org.nz
Contact: Craig Kirkwood – Event Group Coach craig@kirkwood.kiwi.nz
Contact: Kim Mickle– National Coach Development Manager kim@athletics.org.nz
Initiatives
- 2024 Annual ‘Emerging Talent’ Distance and Walks Camp
Dates: 6-8th October
Location: Hanmer Springs
Purpose: To provide a 3-day (2-night) collaborative training and development camp for emerging talent athletes (16-19 years of age) to develop their essential foundations required for long-term distance and walks success. An athlete’s coach is also encouraged to attend.
Athlete cost: TBA
Registration: Application-based (limited spaces) with the registration opening date TBA.
- Pre-Potts High-Performance Training Camp
Duration: 3-5 days
Location: Hastings
Dates: January
Purpose: Training, connection and competition preparation
Registration: EPS/PPS/PDS and radar athletes – Invite only
- PDS & World U20’s pre-camp
Duration: 3-days
Location: AUT Millennium, Auckland
Dates: 10-12th July 2024
Purpose: Connection, collaboration in a learning environment.
Registration: Invite only
- High Performance Athlete Development (HPAD)
Opportunities: There will be two specific HPAD opportunities for targeted athletes across event groups. There will be a multiple day domestic camp and an Australian tour held each year which Performance Development Squad (PDS) and/or Performance Potential Squad (PPS) athletes will have a priority invitation to attend.
HPAD Lead: Tim Driesen (tim@athletics.org.nz)
Community Initiatives
- Regional based development opportunities where athletes and coaches connect formally/informally around training opportunities.
- Delivery of CAD level I modules
- Regional/club coach development delivery by request.
For more information regarding coach development opportunities – Contact kim@athletics.org.nz