Paddle UK has bolstered its canoe sprint performance programme for the LA cycle.
In a key move to align the performance pathway, James Train will move to the role of Head of Performance Development – Canoe Sprint. Additionally the former Technical Director with the Spanish Team, Ekaitz Saies has also joined the programme in Nottingham on an interim basis.
James’ role will see him spending more time within clubs in order to work more closely with them, the academies and the performance programme to create stronger links and support the delivery of key development items within the canoe sprint performance strategy.
He will also support coach development and facilitate greater knowledge sharing across the pathway.
James said: “I am looking forward to working alongside coaches to listen, learn and enable us to better support the development of talent pathways and hope to create structures that will support a more positive and sustainable athlete journey in our sport.”
Ekaitz Saies has also joined as Sprint Programme Support on an interim basis with a scope to review the programme and support the coaches in Nottingham.
Ekaitz joins Paddle UK from the Spanish Canoe Federation where he has been performance director for nine years. Last summer he led the Spanish team to two medals at the Paris Olympic Games, with the team making four other finals.
With his breadth of experience, he will support key areas of the sprint programme and help with understanding the implications of the new ICF World Rankings that will impact qualification for the LA Games.
He said: “I’m thrilled about this opportunity to identify areas for improvement, provide support to the coaches and athletes, and share my knowledge and experience with them. This team has great potential and I´m very motivated to help them achieve their goals.”
Performance Director Chris Furber said: “The disappointment from Paris was felt throughout the canoe sprint community and we are looking to address that with this new structure.
“We do face challenges through reduced resources but that has forced us to think more creatively. Change can be uncomfortable but can bring us new opportunities.
“In the last few years we have introduced new initiatives to engage with the community and the coaches working in clubs and now we want to accelerate that work in more ways to protect the future of the sport.
“The canoe sprint performance strategy remains a key piece of work for us and we’re looking forward to working differently this year as we kick off the LA cycle.”
Paddle UK is currently recruiting for a podium coach for canoe sprint and details can be found here.