DATS ALL FOLKS AS DAN ATKINS APPOINTED TO NATIONAL TALENT COACHING TEAM

Posted in Other News

Triathlon Australia, April 17, 2013: Triathlon Australia has today announced the appointment of Queensland-based coach Dan Atkins as the new National Talent Coach for Western Australia and South Australia – another move aimed at continuing the proud tradition of putting Australian athletes on top of podiums around the world.

Atkins, 38, takes over the position left vacant by Chris Lang, following his appointment as the head coach of the Triathlon Australia-supported program at Sheldon College on the Gold Coast.

It’s an exciting move for Atkins – the coach behind Dan Atkins Training (DAT) Racing, one of the most successful independent clubs in South East Queensland, formed in 2004.

Atkins will make the move to Perth at the end of April and officially begin in his new role on May 20.

“Triathlon Australia is excited to have Dan join the team as National Talent Coach,” said Craig Redman, Triathlon Australia’s National Manager Athlete Development.

“Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. As a former AIS Triathlon Scholarship Coach, with a proven track record in athlete development including putting three athletes onto the recent Australian Youth Olympic Team as well as guiding recent World Cup winner Ryan Fisher through his formative years.

“He will drive the National Talent Academy program in SA & WA and I am confident with Dan’s outstanding background along with the rest of our National Talent Academy coaches including Craig Walton, Jan Rehula & Keiran Barry, Triathlon Australia will continue the proud tradition of putting Australian athletes on top of podiums around the world.

“There is no doubt that Dan will be a valuable member of Australia’s High Performance Team.”

Atkins said he was honoured to accept the position, leaving DAT Racing with a heavy heart – but satisfied with over a decade of providing a training environment that has seen some outstanding performances.

“I have all been about trying to make athletes achieve their goals – and it’s not always about winning but seeing athletes recover from injuries and hurdles and go on to succeed,” said Atkins.

“Athletes like Ryan Fisher who I have nurtured through his career to finish fifth in the World Championships and to see him win his first World Cup (in Ishigaki) really gives you a huge thrill.

“Then there is an athlete like Brittany Dutton who has overcome injuries to go on and win Australian Championships and last week’s Luke Harrop Memorial.

“Her success is very satisfying for a coach and there have been so many stories like that and they are the ones that are so satisfying.”

Atkins is excited about the possibility of continuing his success in WA and SA.

“It will be a challenge but that’s what life’s all about and I will be out to value add to an athlete’s career; to develop these athletes and to set up a program for WA and SA that will give athletes confidence to achieve their goals.”

Issued on behalf of Triathlon Australia by

Ian Hanson

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