Petitclerc accepts international coaching appointment with UK Athletics
Monday, November 28, 2011
OTTAWA- Athletics Canada congratulates today
Chantal Petitclerc of Montreal, Que., who has accepted a coaching position with
UK Athletics for the upcoming 2012 Paralympic Games in London. “Athletics
Canada wishes Chantal all the best in her role as coach and mentor with Great
Britain’s Paralympics team. I have no doubt that Chantal’s tremendous
career will lead to a bright coaching future,” states Rob Guy, Chief Executive
Officer of Athletics Canada. Guy adds, “We look forward to crossing paths
again.”
With UK
Athletics Petitclerc joins her former personal coach Peter Eriksson who is Head
Coach of the Athletics Paralympic program. “Accepting this position was a
very difficult decision to make given my intense pride and loyalty to Canada as
a Paralympic athlete,” said Chantal. “However, this opportunity is one that
will provide me with unique international coaching education and experience
that will be invaluable both on a personal and professional level as I make the
transition from a retired athlete to a full time career in sport.”
Athletics Canada Para-Athletics Head Coach Ozzie Sawicki
sees the right tools and skill set in Chantal to be successful in coaching,
“Chantal has the knowledge and personality to become a fabulous coach, I
certainly wish Chantal the best in her experience moving forward and view this
as a long term benefit leading to future opportunities within the Canadian
Para-Athletics community.”
The most
decorated track and field athlete in Canadian history, Chantal Petitclerc is
best known for her back to back gold medal sweeps at the 2004 and 2008
Paralympic Games. Her athletics’ career has seen her earn 21 Paralympic
medals (14 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze). Her career also includes an
Olympic gold at the 2004 Games along with four world and five Canadian
records. In 2010 Chantal was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of
Fame and in 2008 was named the recipient of the prestigious Lou Marsh trophy as
Canada’s top athlete.
-AC-
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