Peter Stanley: 1954-2024

England Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of distinguished coach Peter Stanley. We send our sincere condolences and love to Peter's wife Christine and his family and friends.

Peter impacted so many across the sport of athletics both in the UK and also worldwide. While best known to the wider public for coaching Jonathan Edwards to the world record that still stands today, his impact was felt much wider than this.

He was heavily involved in coaching in the north-east where he coached many athletes including Chris Tomlinson, the former British Long jump record holder as well as many athletes across the region.

A number of England Athletics staff worked personally with Peter during his time as England Athletics National Coach Mentor, our Head of Coaching & Athlete Development, and as Team Coach and Team Leader at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014 respectively.

Darren Ritchie, Event Group Lead (jumps and combined events) knew Peter for almost three decades: "Like so many in the sport, I had the privilege of being mentored by Peter through my coaching career. We would spend weekends looking at videos, reviewing training programmes and discussing how to develop the athletes in our charge. His passion for the sport infected those around him which reached far and wide."

"Peter was one of the greatest people I have met in the sport. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience and made a significant impact on my career as an athlete, coach and professionally."

Darren Ritchie

Alan Richardson - another close colleague of Peter, and our Talent Pathway Manager - said:

"Peter’s giving nature was shown during his time as an England Athletics national coach mentor where he supported many coaches across England, sharing his knowledge and expertise freely to all that would ask. His impact will be felt  for generations to come with the athletes and coaches he has influenced."

Alan Richardson

We'll remember him for his technical expertise, calm and assuring authority, knowledge, his ability to positively develop other coaches, and for the great respect that was held for him with all that he had achieved as a performance coach working with world class athletes who he influenced greatly.

CEO Chris Jones

"While Peter’s success as a coach, coach mentor and educator is significant those who knew him will remember him him as a kind, supportive, funny and generous man who will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege to know and spend time with him."

Pictured below are Peter and his wife Christine with
fellow coach Carol Jackson at our Volunteer Awards and Hall of Fame.

Darren Ritchie summed up:

"Peter was a colleague who shared his passion for jumps, but more importantly, he was a dear friend who was kind-hearted and a gentle person, and will be sorely missed! A true friend in the sport, taken too soon."

Our deepest condolences to Christine and the family. Rest in peace Peter.

Funeral arrangements

A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at 1pm on Monday 7 October at Prestwold Natural Burial Ground in Loughborough (LE12 5TE).

The family would appreciate it if you did not wear black, but you may need waterproof footwear depending on the weather as it is outdoors. Parking at the venue is limited so we would recommend car sharing where possible. A gathering will follow at a local venue (tbc - but likely The Manor House, Quorn), to which everyone is also welcome.

Please complete the form by 3 October if you want to attend - so the family can be aware of numbers.

Photos: Delhi by Gary Mitchell, Hall of Fame by Nicola Evans, Sheffield by Mark Shearman