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July 31st 2006, OTTAWA – Athletics Canada is pleased to announce today the naming of Martin Goulet to the position of Chief High Performance Officer (CHPO), and Les Gramantik to Head Coach of the national team, finalizing the association’s national office core staff leading into the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.
Goulet’s main responsibilities will include leading the development of Athletics Canada’s strategic plan relating to technical planning, including the articulation of multi-year and annual high performance program plans to achieve performance objectives, as well as leading and monitoring the implementation of national team programs in accordance with established objectives.
Goulet is excited to put his experience and skills to work, “I am honored and pleased to be leading the technical direction of the association, my motivation and enthusiasm will be put to task on achieving the association’s objectives.” Not only will he lead the technical direction, he wants to create the best possible environment for athletes right here in Canada, “My approach will be focused on harmonizing our diverse programs, with the intention of strengthening our cohesive group. Our solid programs will help our athletes by providing them an opportunity to train, study, perform, and to develop to their potential, at home, in Canada.”
As well as selecting national team staff, providing technical leadership to national teams and providing leadership on coaching education / development, Gramantik will also serve as national team head coach at major international competitions such as the 2007 Pan American Games, 2007 World Championships and the 2008 Olympic Games. In September 2005 he was named interim head coach.
“This opportunity represents the greatest challenge of my professional life, and I am looking forward to providing the technical leadership to both athletes and coaches as we prepare for Osaka in 2007 and Beijing in 2008.” Gramantik adds, “I am extremely excited to be part of a new and dynamic leadership group, as we work together to bring more recognition to our sport.”
Born in Montréal, Québec in 1957, Goulet who holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, began coaching in 1975, and served as head coach of the Club Montreal Olympique for 14 years (1986 to 1999) and has coached for Canada at numerous international events since 1986, including the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games. Martin Goulet previously held the role of Athletics Canada Director of Endurance Programs.
Gramantik, who speaks four languages, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and a Masters in Coaching Science. Over the past 35 years he has coached in Romania, the Middle East and Canada. Gramantik, the track and field head coach for the past 18 years at the University of Calgary, has coached for Canada at three Olympic Games, five Commonwealth Games, eight World Championships and two Pan American Games. Gramantik was the coach of decathlon Canadian record holder and double world championship medallist Michael Smith as well as heptathlon Canadian record holder and current Canadian champion Jessica Zelinka.
“Our association is aiming for podium success at the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games” said Joanne Mortimore, Chief Executive Officer, “Martin Goulet and Les Gramantik are both great leaders who can raise the level of our performances on the track and in the field.” Mortimore adds “With their vast national and international experience, they both bring a wealth of experience to the table as coaches and leaders.”
Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of track and field including cross-country running, road running, and road racing. Its purpose is the pursuit of leadership, development and competition that ensures world-level performance in athletics.
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