Center News

A week of shared wisdom – November’s ACP in summary

Following the resounding success of the October ACP in partnership with EXOS, November’s ACP followed swiftly on with a high standard to follow. It didn’t disappoint. Apprentice Coaches saw guest lecturers Brett Bartholomew (EXOS), Andy O’Brien (Hockey S&C Coach who works with Sydney Crosby, among others), Buddy Morris (Head Coach of Physical Preparation with the Arizona Cardinals), and Dr Jeremy...

Highlights from October’s Apprentice Coach Program

Last week saw the continuation of our very popular Apprentice Coach Program (ACP). What began last winter as an interactive, real-world shadowing and discussion week has now morphed into perhaps the best coaching education event in the sport. While the practical observation and interaction and the end-of-day organic discussions with Coach Dan Pfaff remain the highlight of the Program, we...

Aries Merritt aiming for big 2015

We caught up with USA hurdler Aries Merritt ahead of the Brussels Diamond League where he revealed his aims for next year, his thoughts on the European Championships and his time in Phoenix... "The obvious goal for next year would be to win the World Championships," said Aries. "It's the only title I don't own and so I would really...

An interview with Altis Assistant Throws Coach – Nick Sheuerman

A former collegiate thrower who has coached in facilities from Iowa to Wales - Coach Sheuerman has a colourful background and a story to tell. As Assistant Throws Coach at Altis, Nick is tasked with coaching the Semi Professional and Scholarship throwers, as well as being heavily involved in directing and organizing the Apprentice Coach Program and newly created Intern...

The road to Glasgow – an interview with Emily Dudgeon

Emily Dudgeon is a third year undergraduate reading Medicine at Clare College, Cambridge. Originally from Edinburgh she has already been recognized as one of Britain’s hopeful 800m athletes for the 2016 Olympic Games. Coached by Stuart Hogg since 2011, Emily achieved a 6th place finish in the 800m at the World Junior Championships in 2012, as well as finishing 4th...

From New Zealand to Scotland – a Q&A with High Jumper Sarah Cowley

As she sat and watched the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, a young girl from New Zealand was mesmerized by Track and Field. 20 years later, Sarah Cowley's Olympic dream was realized in person - as she walked into the stadium at the 2012 London Olympic Games to compete in the Heptathlon. Since competing in the 2012 Games as a Multi...

Altis athletes set to compete in Arizona this weekend

Altis athletes representing India, USA, China, Canada, Korea and Panama are set to compete at the Mesa Track & Field Classic, and the 25th Sun Angel Track Classic this weekend. Friday sees Throwers Bhalendder Singh, Rachel Longfors, Yanbo Yang and Rashad Williams compete at the Mesa Track & Field Classic. The 35th Sun Angel Track Classic is the setting for...

First Week in Paradise…

Following on from Coach Andy Brittan's reflections on the Welsh Throws Camp at Altis, Coach Matt Elias - Welsh Event Group Lead for Sprints & Hurdles - blogs about his first week onsite at Altis. "Well, first week in Paradise Valley; the home of Altis to be precise. First impressions can often be deceiving, but not here!!! The set up...

Heather Hamilton on life, Pole Vault and Altis

Canadian Pole Vaulter Heather Hamilton has enjoyed many successes in her career so far. Most notably, in 2013, the 26 year old won the Canadian National Championships, the Canadian Track League, and claimed a bronze medal at the Francophone Games. In addition to her success in Track and Field Heather also has a business degree from the Schulich School of...

Winter Update

As the days get longer and the mercury rises in Arizona, we took the time to sit down and look back on what has been a phenomenal winter & start to 2014 for Altis – one which has seen our athletes bring home 3 Olympic Medals, 1 World Indoor Championship Medal, post 6 National Records and set 9 Personal Records....