IRISH SPRINTER PAUL HESSION is hoping that a fresh start under a new coach will boost his medal chances ahead of next summer’s London Olympics.
After six seasons working under sprint coach Stuart Hogg in Edinburgh, the Athenry AC man confirmed this morning that he is shifting his Olympic training base in order to team up with John Coghlan in Dublin.
Hogg, who coached Scotland’s Yvonne Murray to middle-distance bronze at the Seoul Games in 1988, will now take a backseat in Hession’s day-to-day preparations while continuing on as part of his support team.
Hession, Ireland’s record holder over 200m, paid tribute to his former coach and their strong working relationship.
He has provided me with world class coaching and mentoring over the last number of years and while John will now be my coach, Stuart will continue to be an important part of my support structure.
Hogg also gave the move his blessing, saying: “We have discussed this decision in great detail and he has my 100% backing as it is in his best interest and will provide him with the best opportunity to perform to the best of his ability at the London Games.”
Although he crashed out in the 200m heats at last month’s World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Hession has already guaranteed his spot in London next summer.
In August, he set a time of 20.51 — 0.04 seconds quicker than the “A standard” for Olympic qualification — to win the 200m title at the Woodie’s DIY Track and Field Championships.
