• Athletics

British Athletics head coach to leave after 8 months

ESPN staff
May 15, 2013
Peter Eriksson departs his role for family reasons © PA Photos
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Peter Eriksson will leave his post as British Athletics head coach in June, citing family reasons for his decision.

Eriksson replaced Charles Van Commenee following the London 2012 Games and has been in the role for nearly eight months. During that time, Britain won eight medals (four golds) at the European Indoor Championships.

Previously Eriksson had helped the GB Paralympic squad win 29 medals at the London Olympics, 11 of which were gold. His last task will be the European Team Championships, which start on June 22.

"Words cannot describe how disappointed I am to take this step," he said. "There is no bigger job in athletics anywhere in the world. At present I have no plans, but accept that if I am to take any other job in sport it will be a step down.

"Athletics in Great Britain receives the best possible support through the National Lottery, and that, coupled with the performance structure here, means it is every coach's dream to hold this position.

"However no job is more important than family and children, and personal circumstances mean that mine need me to be back in Canada."

Performance director Neil Black will take on head coach duties from Eriksson for the World Championships in Moscow, which take place between August 10-18.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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