Kirsten Hellier appointed to Athletics NZ coaching staff

Coach of the Year Kirsten Hellier at the 2009 Westpac Halberg Awards. Photo / Photosport

Kirsten Hellier is joining Athletics New Zealand in a key coaching role.

The former Victoria Commonwealth Games silver medallist and 1992 Olympic Javelin thrower has been appointed as Athletics NZ Programme Coach - Throws, based in Auckland.

Hellier, winner of the Halberg Awards Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008 is currently coaching Olympic Shot Put finalist Jacko Gill.

The appointment of Hellier, who has recently been in a Coach Development role with Netball New Zealand, increases Athletics NZs capability building towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The role has come about following a lift in the sports funding from High Performance Sport New Zealand on the back of Athletics NZs successes at the Rio Olympics and a rise in performances across the board.

Athletics NZ High Performance Director Scott Goodman is excited by Helliers appointment.

"Kirsten brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the programme and we are looking forward to working with her to support Jacko Gill and a squad of throwers through to Tokyo 2020 and beyond," Goodman said.

"Im really pleased and excited to be joining the coaching team at Athletics New Zealand", said Hellier.

"Being able to support athletes to reach their full potential is an absolute privilege and I look forward to the challenge and journey ahead," she added.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Athletics New Zealand