British Athletics announced on Thursday, August 20 that Sara Symington has been appointed performance director.
The Olympian and former professional cyclist will be tasked with leading the coordination of a performance strategy as well as a talent development system.
The cycling and triathlon coach was the performance director for Archery GB leading the Olympic and Paralympic World Class Programmes. In 2015 she took up the same position with England Netball.
“I’m an athlete at heart who moved into leadership roles but my overriding ambition has always been about creating an environment where our athletes and staff thrive and deliver continued success both individually and collectively.”
“I am extremely excited to welcome Sara as our new Performance Director,” said Joanna Coates, CEO of British Athletics. “Her appointment is a major step as we move into an incredibly exciting time for athletics in the UK and is a brilliant opportunity for her to make a difference both immediately and in planning the future. Sara possesses a vast wealth of knowledge and experience as both an athlete and a successful leader at a number of sports, which will prove vital in our short term planning towards Tokyo and allow us to quickly review and evaluate for the cycle to Paris.”
“She will be essential in helping to shape not only a UK wide performance strategy and talent development system working closely with the HCAFs but also how the sport moves forward and guarantees exemplary cultures and behaviours – and, along with myself, ensures athletes are at the heart of everything we do. I can’t wait to work with her.”
