Tim HAZELL quits as Archery GB Head Paralympic Coach

 

Under his watch, Paralympic archery in Great Britain has established itself as a trailblazer for other countries to follow. But with the London 2012 Games now over, he has decided his family now comes first.   "This was not a decision I took lightly, and it was with a very heavy heart that I handed in my resignation," said Tim HAZELL, who is now looking for his next challenge.   "I’m so proud of all we’ve achieved together over the past six years, with medals at world championships and the Paralympics, helping some extremely talented archers emerge and be successful at international level, and be privileged to work with some wonderful people."   "But I live in South Wales, which is a fair drive to Lilleshall (where Archery GB is based), and I spend far too long away from home, and after a lot of thought, I have decided that I want to have more time with my family."   "I’ve done two Paralympic Games cycles, and going forward the job is going to be more intense, with more time needed to give to the job, and I just cannot, in all honesty, commit myself to that."    "Obviously the highs were the days when the squad won medals on the international stage—and it didn’t get any better than an all GB final between Dani (BROWN) and Mel (CLARKE) at the recent Paralympics."   "I think that over the past six years GB Paralympians have set the standards for the rest of the world to follow, but as proved at the Games last month, the world has caught up, the margins are now much narrower, and to move forward will take a whole new approach and dedication."   Archery GB has already begun the search for Tim HAZELL’s replacement (read advert and job description), with senior management acknowledging he will be a hard act to follow.   "Tim’s done a fantastic job, and losing him is a massive blow,” said Archery GB Performance Director Sara SYMINGTON. "I totally understand his reasons for stepping aside, but he will leave with everyone’s very best wishes, our total respect, and our gratitude for all he has done, and achieved, for Paralympic archery in this country."   Said Archery GB chairman David HARRISON: "Tim is a fantastic archery coach, who cares passionately, and commands enormous respect among all those he works with, and also with other coaches and archers around the world."   Follow Archery GB on Twitter: @archerygb   Peter JONES Media, Archery GB, +44 (7841) 997408 Edited by World Archery Communication