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Commonwealth Potential image-kerryoflahertysteeplechase.jpg

Athletics NI support coach-athlete pairs at the Event Specialist stage through the Commonwealth Potential programme with the aim of progressing athletes towards achieving medals and top eight places at the Commonwealth Games and gaining selection onto the UKA Futures Programme or the Irish Carding System.

At this level, support includes access to physiotherapy support, centralised championship preparation camps and learning opportunities for coach-athlete pairs. By fine tuning all aspects of training and performance behaviours for each athlete, with the sole aim of performing at major championships, we will raise performance standards.

The goals for the Commonwealth Potential programme are to: 

  • Ensure that athletes develop performance behaviours that will help them take the next step towards success at major championship level.
  • Ensure a smooth transition of Northern Ireland’s best age group athletes into the Senior International ranks.
  • Increased representation on UK and Athletics Ireland Senior teams.
  • Develop athletes with the aim of selection for future Commonwealth Games teams and above.
  • Support Commonwealth Potential Coaches to progress on the coaching pathway by pursuing an Event Group Qualification.

Selection onto the programme jackagnew-mptrack.jpg

Athletes are considered against Athletics NI standards for Commonwealth Games nomination that show they are tracking towards Birmingham 2022 or European Para Championships. Athletes also need to demonstrate year on year progress, and commitment to their own development and to the programme.

Programme Features & Benefits:

Physiotherapy support, as agreed according to need and targets

Regular planning/monitoring/review meetings face-to-face by telephone or Skype with the Athlete Development Lead or Director of Coaching and Athlete Development

Up to two squad training camps per year for warm weather/altitude/acclimatisation leading towards targeted competitions.

 2021 Commonwealth Potential Athlete- Coach Pairs

Athlete

Discipline

Coach
Jack Agnew T54 1500m Heather Ardis
Conor Bradley 5000m Teresa McDaid
Eilish Flanagan 3000m Steeplechase Damon Martin
Roisin Flanagan 5000m Damon Martin
James Hamilton T20 1500m Mark Kirk
Conall Kirk 800m Mark Kirk
Katie Kirk 800m Mark Kirk
Megan Marrs 100m Hurdles Alex Nwenwu
Ellie McCartney Pole vault Kate Ronney
Anna McCauley Heptathlon Toni Minichiello
Dempsey McGuigan Hammer Andy Frost
Adam McMullen Long Jump  
Kerry O’Flaherty 3000m Steeplechase Richard Rodgers
Eoghan Totten Marathon Richard Rogers
Eve Walsh-Dann T38 100m/200m Roger Sexton