Interview Collection '07

In this interview, conducted at the 2007 EACA conference, Dr. Vinduskova discusses the Czech sport model, specifically its structure for developing youth talent and its system of sport classes, gymnasiums and high performance centers. As well she gives her perspective on the differences, similarities and challenges common to the Canadian and Czech sport culture such as recruitment, obesity and competition among sports. This interview is for all of those interested in how sport is organized in Eastern Europe and the development of youth in athletics.

The Armory Track and Field Foundation is a not-for-profit initiative begun in 1993 and is committed to serving the youth of New York City by promoting excellence and fitness through a broad range of athletic, educational and community programs. In this interview Derrick discusses his own career as well as the mission and history of the Armory. The story of the Armory is one of hope, community outreach and helping kids achieve their dreams. It is an outstanding example of how track and field can establish its relevance as a sport for all in communities around the world.

In this live in-person interview taken at the Osaka World Championships, Kari discusses his own coaching history, Finnish javelin training and technique, youth development in the javelin and why the Finns have such a great history of the event. Also included is a guest appearance by Scott Russell, the Canadian Record holder in the javelin. This is a unique opportunity for coaches of any event to see inside one of the great systems in athletics from the perspective of one of it's truly great coaches.

Currently Jama is an independent coach after having held national coaching positions in Sudan, Oman and Kuwait. He has worked with many Olympic and World Championship finalists in distances from 400 metres to 10,000 metres. He has also coached numerous medal winners at the Youth and Junior World Championship level. Jama is truly an international figure in athletics who speaks three languages and travels the world with his athletes; he is uniquely qualified to comment on various global trends in athletics and coaching and in this fascinating interview he discusses the politics and potential of athlete development in Africa and the Gulf states, the role of IAAF in fostering athletics in developing countries and the theory and science underpinning his training philosophy.

In this interview Terrence talks about the development of the very successful Team USA model for developing distance runners. He explains his progression from athlete to coach and how he manages the many complex facets that go into producing a world class endurance performance. Terrence also discusses his many influences including how Clyde Hart, legendary sprint coach of Michael Johnson and now Jeremy Wariner influenced his thinking about coaching distance runners.

In this superb interview Schexnayder discusses in depth his views on long and triple jump techniques, particularly as they apply to the take off in both jumps. As well he gives an excellent overview on sprint / runway mechanics and offers his approach to training and planning and periodization. This interview is one of the best in our archive for those interested in biomechanics and training for the sprints and jumps.

In this interview the 1988 Olympic Team head coach reflects upon his early involvement in athletics, his career as an athlete under mentor Bill Bowerman, his views on training and how this has evolved over the last five decades. As well he discusses the creation of the Achilles Society, his work with the Harry Jerome and Vancouver Sun Run, the challenges our sport faces today and what we can do to overcome them. This interview is loaded with insight from a man who has been everywhere and seen it all in athletics and one you won’t want to miss.

In this amazing interview the Illinois women’s head coach discusses his development as a hurdles coach, hurdle training and program design, as well as his views on athlete preparation for major international events. He also discusses at length his ideas on hurdle technique development, the importance of the take-off in hurdling and the differences in technique development between men and women, as well as sprint and long hurdlers. Packed with information for the sprint / hurdles coach, this interview is mandatory listening for those interested in succeeding in the sprints and hurdles.

In part one of this intriguing interview, Henk discusses his background in coaching, his individualistic training methodology, the differences in approaches to training for various athletes and the development of speed, strength and power for sprinters.

In part two he gives his thoughts on the psychology of sprinters, coaching development in the Netherlands and various sport science tools and technology for coaches such as the Nemes vibration platform and the Omegawave system for athlete recovery monitoring. For speed and sport science fans this interview is a must-listen.