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Adam Bleakley named Paralympic Coach of the Year
Bleakley, the coach of the USA’s track and field squad, earned the accolade for helping the USA to 13 medals at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships. 07 Jul 2014
American Tatyana McFadden made history at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, winning gold in all six of her events.
“It’s an honour to recognise these coaches for their impact on countless athletes from around the country."
The United States Olympic Committee has announced its annual award recipients for the 2013 National Coaches of the Year.
Adam Bleakney, track and field coach from Champaign, Illinois was named Paralympic National Coach of the Year.
A four-time Paralympian, Bleakney helped US athletes earn 13 medals at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France.
As head coach for the University of Illinois wheelchair track and field program, Bleakney played a key role in developing world champions Tatyana McFadden and Raymond Martin.
At the 2013 World Championships, McFadden led the US medal haul with a historic six gold medals.
Meanwhile Martin, the 2013 USOC Paralympic Sportsman of the Year, became the first man to win five world titles.
Overall, Bleakney coached nine athletes on the USA’s team, including men’s 800-metre T53 world champion Josh George and women’s 200m T53 bronze medallist Chelsea McClammer.
Following the World Championships, Bleakney aided McFadden in becoming the first to win the marathon grand slam with victories at 2013 London, Boston, Chicago and New York City marathons.
For his achievements, Bleakney was picked ahead of finalists Angie Bengtsson, who coaches table tennis and Brett Wolf, who coaches judo.
Alan Ashley, USOC chief of sport performance, expressed his delight at recognising the hard work of the coaches.
He said: “It’s an honour to recognise these coaches for their impact on countless athletes from around the country.
“Their tireless efforts and dedication to helping athletes strive for excellence is an inspiration to all.”
The Paralympic National Coach of the Year is presented to a coach of an elite-level club, collegiate or national-level team, or the coach of an elite athlete who competes at the highest level of his/her sport.
National Governing Bodies selected their 2013 Coaches of the Year as part of the USOC Coach of the Year Recognition Program.
