Two-time Olympic silver medallist Neil Adams insists he is determined to help British Judo deliver further success after being appointed to support their elite coaching programme.
The 54-year-old, who won Olympic silver at Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984, will be responsible for all elite technical judo matters and takes up the post with immediate effect.
Adams will work closely with performance director Nigel Donohue and brings with him a wealth of experience having been the first British male to be crowned world champion in 1981.
He also acted as coach of the British team at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics and took up the national role for Wales before becoming head coach of elite development for Belgium in 2009.
Britain won two medals at the London 2012 Olympics – silver for Gemma Gibbons and bronze for Karina Bryant – and Adams can’t wait to get started in his role.
“I’m thrilled to be offered this opportunity and I’m fully committed to supporting British Judo to create an environment where athletes and coaches can excel and produce success on a systematic basis,” said Adams.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Nigel Donohue and believe that together with his team, we have the ability to deliver a unified and successful programme for Rio and beyond.”
Donohue was appointed by British Judo as their performance director at the start of the month and he believes Adams’ impact will be felt immediately.
“Neil is a fantastic appointment and his track record speaks for itself. He’s one of the most prominent judoka in British Judo’s history and it will be a real privilege to work alongside him,” said Donohue.
“Neil is renowned for his technical expertise worldwide and his skills can have a significant impact not only on our elite coaches and those further down the pathway, but also directly with the elite athletes in our programme.”
© Sportsbeat 2013