New UKA appointments could also benefit XC
Tracksuits were so much cooler in the 70's
In a move designed to pump experience into the system, UK Athletics has announced a raft of high-profile appointments to shake-up our ailing distance running team. Spearheading the endurance efforts will be former world cross country champion Ian Stewart.
Stewart was the last British male runner to win the World XC championships, way back in 1975. Commenting on his new role the former Olympian stated, “Rome wasn’t built in a day – this is a huge challenge. But I have strong views, I am very passionate and I am optimistic British athletes can return to prominence in middle and long distance running.”
Ahead of taking up his new role in February UKA head coach elect Charles van Commenee seems to have started as he means to go on by sweeping out the old and bringing in the new. Known for his ruthless approach this is a pretty big statement of intent, and it could only be the beginning as he will quickly move through all disciplines and take no prisoners.
Would you mess with this man?
If today’s moves are an indication of future intentions then the future of British athletics (and distance running in particular) could be about to enter an upward curve, and this will certainly affect off-road competition as a raising of standards in the higher profile arenas of distance running will inevitably have a trickle down effect on all running disciplines.
In addition Olympic great Seb Coe heads up a good old fashioned ‘endurance steering group’ of Paula Radcliffe, Dave Bedford, Steve Cram, Brendan Foster, Liz McColgan – and if that lot can’t come up with a way forward then I don’t know who can!
With Lord Coe also a big advocate of cross country running for all endurance athletes let’s hope this is the start of a resurgence in the sport, and a heightened prominence for this most pure of pastimes – only time will tell.
