Second Edition of The IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Awards Is Open

The award recognises the outstanding achievements and contributions a coach has made to develop and encourage athletes in line with the Olympic values in summer or winter Olympic sports. It is a unique occasion to celebrate an active or retired female and male coach who has participated in at least one edition of the Olympic Games and supported athletes on the road to their sporting dreams.

Nominations can be made by Olympians, International Federations, National Olympic Committees, members of the IOC Athletes’ and Athletes’ Entourage Commissions and IOC Members, by 12 August 2018.

“Last year, for the first edition of these Awards, we received many nominations, which demonstrated the importance of coaches in the athlete’s life, as recognised by all of the Olympic Movement,” said Sergey Bubka, Chair of the Athletes’ Entourage Commission. “This year, we have decided to open the nominations to also include active coaches who stand out for their commitment to promoting the Olympic values.”

IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell added: “Coaches are inspiring figures for athletes. They are not only technical advisors, but also mentors who support athletes throughout their career and protect their health and safety. We believe it is important to recognise these positive examples and put a spotlight on their fundamental role within the Olympic Movement and the lives of athletes”.

A selection panel composed of the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Entourage Commission, two IOC Members of this Commission and two members of the IOC Athletes’ Commission will be appointed by the IOC President to select the winners, whose names will be announced during the Olympism in Action Forum in Buenos Aires on 5 and 6 October 2018.

Last year, the recipients of these Awards were Japanese artistic swimming coach Kaneko Masako, who has coached swimmers to medals at every Olympic Games from 1984 to 2004, and American swimming coach Jon Urbanchek, having trained 34 Olympian swimmers – including four world record-holders – to seven gold, six silver and four bronze medals at five Olympic Games.

For more details on the Awards and the nomination procedure, please visit Athlete365.