Olympic hurdles champion Sally Pearson has named Antony Drinkwater-Newman as her new coach after announcing that she had split with her long-term coach Sharon Hannan last week.
A familiar face and friend to Pearson, Drinkwater-Newman was her previous assistant coach and training partner for five years. Pearson stated: “I am excited by the fresh ideas that Antony has and I know that we will work well together. “
Now developing a junior squad on Australia’s Gold Coast, Drinkwater-Newman may well provide Pearson with the new ideas and motivation necessary to lift her back to the top of the world rankings in 2014, following a successful comeback season this year (12.50 SB).
Pearson suggests that it was a natural choice in deciding to move to Drinkwater-Newman because, as a former training partner, the pair can train side-by-side, adding another dimension to Pearson’s training regime.
The Olympic champion has revealed that she is excited about the training plan and the new partnership with Drinkwater-Newman and expects to be in fine form to defend her World Indoor title in Poland, in March, and, subsequently, her Commonwealth title in Glasgow.
Drinkwater-Newman is thankful for the opportunity of coaching the Australian star: “In our sport, success is measured in hundredths of a second… My mission is to ensure that Sally finishes in front every time she races, ” he said.
Robert Joske, Pearson’s manager, commented: “Sally has been thorough in her research and her Athlete Performance Advisor supports her choice and looks forward to working closely with Antony in the years to come. “
