England volunteers making a difference
Ian Thompson made a huge difference to the world of disability athletics and received our Services to Disability Athletics award last year. Has someone made a difference to your area of athletics? Would you like them recognised for their efforts? Why not nominate them for an England Athletics Volunteer Award?
We summarise the achievements of some of last year's Volunteer Award winners. The full articles (from the end of last year) can be read in Athletics Weekly. If you don't yet subscribe you can do so online and access all the back copies over the past 4 years.
Dr Ian Thompson - England Athletics Services to Disability Athletics award 2010
Today we feature England Athletics Services to Disability Athletics award winner from last year. Dr Ian Thompson has been involved with the sport for over 25 years and is a key face in disability athletics. He's amassed an impressive array of achievements, ranging from international competitor to coach, administrator, sports scientist, biomechanist and wheelchair designer.
As a wheelchair athlete, Thompson competed at 2 Paralympics and 2 world championships and held British records from 200m to 5000m. Since his retirement he has not slowed down, holding many positions with BWRA , BWSF and portfolio holder for disability sport for England Athletics NE England Council. He was UKA wheelchair racing head coach for 5 years and for Olympic exhibition races in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 and acted as coach, advisor and training partner to his wife Tanni Grey-Thompson who, amongst her medals, captured the 100m and 400m gold there.
Thompson has also guided top internationals such as Nicola Jarvis, Jack McKenna, Kevin Papworth and Jade Jones. "I'm still enjoying the challenge. I prefer to train along with the athletes I coach as much as possible (using a hand cycle now) as this allows me to provide feedback and encouragement."
Inspired? Know someone like Ian who has made a difference? Why not nominate them for an England Athletics Volunteer Award?
See www.englandathletics.org/HOF for full details.