Sprint, Hurdle and Relay events in New Zealand has exploded onto the world scene in recent years with an impressive 9 athletes (5 Able-bodied and 4 Para) having gained conditional selection for this year’s World Championships and 12 athletes (8 Able-bodied and 4 Para) selected into PDS and Regional Pathway programs. The increase of athletes having achieved these selections has been nurtured 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 will guide 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: James Mortimer – Sprints, Hurdles & Relay Event Group Lead jamesm@athletics.org.nz
Contact: Kim Mickle – Event Group Co-ordinator kim@athletics.org.nz
Initiatives
- Initiative: Potts Classic Sprints/Hurdles/Relay Performance Camp 2024
Duration: TBA
Location: Hawke’s Bay
Dates: TBA (Leading into Potts Classic – January 2024)
Purpose: The purpose of this camp is to provide a shared training environment, opportunities to learn from other event groups plus a chance to compete in a pre-Potts competition. This camp will run in conjunction with the annual HP Pole Vault camp creating collaboration and engagement across different event groups.
Registration: Invite required. Athletes and coaches captured across the ANZ-HP Athlete Pathway will be invited to attend the annual Potts Classic Performance Camp. Where appropriate, selected athletes and coaches transitioning into the performance domain may be invited to attend. - Initiative: High Performance Hurdles Clinic
Duration: 1 day
Location: Hamilton
Dates: Post Porritt Classic
Purpose: The purpose of this clinic is to help improve technical models, plus educate developing athletes and coaches on what it takes to be a high-performing athlete and to collaborate and create connections within the event.
Registration: Open to all. Registrations will be made available closer to the event. - Initiative: Targeted Relay teams to attend National and/or International relay events.
Location: (TBC)
Dates: (TBC)
Purpose: The purpose of this is to create a team environment and offer the best opportunities to gain selection into pinnacle events.
Registration: Invite required. - Initiative: Sprints and Hurdles Development Sessions.
Location: Zoom Sessions
Dates: 2-3 opportunities during the year (dates TBA)
Purpose: The purpose of the zoom sessions is to learn from world leading sprints and hurdles coaches from around the world and to get an understanding of how/why their methods work plus have the opportunity to ask questions.
Registration: Open to all. Registrations will be made available closer to the event. - Initiative: High Performance Hui
Duration: 3 days
Location: AUT Millennium, Auckland
Dates: 24-26th October 2023
Purpose: The purpose of this event is to gain connection, education and collaboration between ANZ High Performance staff and Programmed athletes and their coaches.
Registration: Invite required. - Initiative: 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:
- Continue the delivery of the Sprints, Hurdles & Relays. (CAD Level 1)
- Regional/club coach development delivery by request.
Contact: Mike Trathen – Coach Development Lead miket@athletics.org.nz