24th April 2019
STANLEY SET FOR RETIREMENT IN 2020
British Athletics has announced that Peter Stanley, Head of Field and Combined Events will retire from his position at the National Governing Body following the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Stanley, who in 2018 was awarded the UK Coaching Lifetime achievement award, has had an illustrious career both as a coach and also a developer of coaching talent. The pinnacle of his coaching career was guiding triple jumper Jonathan Edwards to World and Olympic gold medals as well as his 18.29m World Record which remains intact to this day.
Following roles within British athletics as a National Coach mentor and also as the strategic lead for coaching, Stanley was appointed to his current position in 2014. Based at the National Performance Institute at Loughborough, his remit has been to support, facilitate and influence the athlete coach pairs with a view to improving performances and winning medals.
Over the next 15 months, there will be a transition period as coaches Fuzz Caan, Aston Moore and Scott Simpson work alongside Peter – who will reduce his working days from this June – to widen the remit of their roles and ensure continuity and consistency for athletes and coaches attending 2020 Games.
In confirming the news Stanley said:
“With my coaching hat on I know how important it is for athletes and their coaches to have clarity and know what is happening and I am grateful that we’ve been able to work on a process that will see me maintain involvement over the next year.
“This is a crucial period going in to 2020 and it’s great to have an opportunity to finish my career at the end of a Games cycle and know that the transfer of duties and knowledge will be so carefully managed.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with some great athletes across my career and the current crop are as strong a generation as I’ve ever known. I’m looking forward to making sure my last months in the role will be to support them to achieve their best when they compete in Tokyo.”
Commenting on Stanley’s plans, Performance Director Neil Black said:
“Peter has brought a wealth of knowledge to the table with the skills, attributes and experience that we were looking for. His reputation in coaching and coach development has meant he has helped develop the very coaches who will be key to succession following Tokyo.
“Whilst we’re naturally sad to see him finish his role with us next year we are glad to support his wishes and feel grateful that we’ve had the benefit of his wisdom within the sport for so long.”