Carlsson selected as head coach in B.C.

Alan Carlsson will be the first head coach of the Regional Triathlon Centre in British Columbia – a joint venture that was recently created in partnership between Triathlon Canada and Triathlon B.C. with the goal of creating more Olympic champions for Canada.

Carlsson will bring more than 20 years experience, and a proven track record of success, towards helping aspiring triathletes at the Vancouver-based Regional Triathlon Centre, which opened in June in an effort to provide young athletes with additional support in their quest to make the national team, and ultimately, the Olympic podium.

“Alan’s experience in working with a wide range of athletes from the grassroots to elite level will play a critical role in our goal of developing more Olympic-level athletes on the west coast,” said Alan Trivett, executive director, Triathlon Canada, who added that Carlsson has coached age group athletes from beginner to the world championship levels, along with high-performance athletes in ITU races, and professionals at the 70.3 distance. “In addition to sharing a wealth of knowledge to our next generation of Olympians, Alan will create a competitive culture of excellence while helping our young athletes understand the dedication required to win.”

Having spent the past seven years as one of two head coaches and a co-founder of Leading Edge – a premier triathlon and cycling program in Vancouver, Carlsson holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and his Chartered Professional Coaching certification. Named Triathlon Canada’s Age Group Coach-of-the-Year in 2009, Carlsson has guided numerous athletes to the Canadian and World Championship podium.

The Regional Training Centre was created to address the regional gap in triathlon development, and to support the provincial and national sport organization’s mandate to build up the talent pool of athletes in the province. The head coaching position was made possible by investments made by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development as part of British Columbia’s Integrated Performance System.

“The Regional Training Centre opening its doors in Vancouver is a very exciting initiative,” said Allan Prazsky, executive director of Triathlon B.C. “We’ve already seen the history of success the Victoria RTC has brought to B.C. and Canada. With Metro Vancouver’s population base, we hope to replicate these achievements on the mainland in the not too distantfuture.”

Visit Triathlon BC at www.tribc.org for a full listing of events, clinics, courses and races.

Visit Triathlon Canada at www.triathloncanada.com.