London 2012 Preview – Olympic Running Coach

The ‘Wyn-ing’ Edge

Wynn Gmitroski has been developing a solid reputation as a world-class middle distance guru ever since he coached Angela Chalmers to a bronze medal in the 3000m at the 1992 Olympics. Most recently, the 55-year-old Victoria resident served as personal coach to Canadian 800m record holder Gary Reed, the 2007 world silver medallist and fourth-place finisher at the Beijing Olympics. Such an impressive resume has paid dividends and Gmitroski has attracted a group of potential Olympians to Athletics Canada’s High Performance Training Centre in Victoria and to his winter training base in Arizona.

Nate Brannen, a three-time Canadian 1500m champion, and Olivier Collin, the 2010 national 1500m champion, are among the group of 18, who followed Gmitroski to Arizona. They’re overcoming injuries and financial woes to see if they have what it takes to be in London. Other promising middle-distance stars have joined them, including Geoff Martinson, Matt Lincoln, Lemlem Ogbasilassie, Andrew Ellerton and Quin Ferguson. Quebec’s Annie LeBlanc, who captained Canada’s team at the 2010 World Junior Championships also popped in for a couple of months.

As a young Manitoba-based coach in the 1980s, Gmitroski always believed he would have world-class athletes and prepared accordingly. He attended coaching seminars and sought input from other coaches and athletes. Today, he is a major draw as a speaker at international coaching conferences. Working with athletes such as Reed and Chalmers, however, provided invaluable experience that you can’t find in any book.

“You learn what people have to do, how hard they have to work, what is achievable. But you also look at certain personality traits and you get a gut feel,” Gmitroski says. He calls “Reed and Chalmers the benchmark for what you are looking for. These people come along once in every five or 10 years, or maybe once in a career.” The system for recruiting top athletes is improving, he adds. “There’s a lot more talent coming through. Some people just haven’t gelled to that level.”

Gmitroski first came to the sunshine state in 1988 with Chalmers. Their relationship blossomed on and off the track; they got married in 1996. They divorced two years later. He bought his Scottsdale condominium in 2008 following a conversation with Reed and Brannen. The trio were at the track enjoying the Arizona heat when Reed asked “why aren’t we doing this all the time?” Gmitroski put an offer on the condominium that afternoon.
Over the years he has been accused of being single minded and so devoted to his profession that he has shut out other areas of his life. Gmitroski remains unapologetic. “What I see unfortunately is a lot of people who believe they can be coaching at the Olympic level but still want to do everything else they are doing in life,” he says.The 1500m is one of the most popular events of the Olympics, and Canada has some depth and has had success in the event. Kevin Sullivan holds the national record of 3:31.71 and finished fifth at the Sydney Olympics, considered one of the greatest athletic achievements in Canadian history. Leah Pells finished fourth in the event at the Atlanta Games, just a half a second away from a medal.
Nate Brannen and Taylor Milne will both be looking not only to make the team, but also reach the final in London. Both have plenty of international experience, with Milne cutting his teeth at the 2008 Beijing Games. Geoff Martinson, Canada’s lone entrant in the event at last year’s worlds, could also make the team if he’s able to achieve the “A” standard of 3:35.50.

Veterans Hilary Stellingwerf, Malindi Elmore and Dianne Cummins (if she makes the jump from 800m to 1500m) could represent Canada if they make the “A” standard of 4:06.00. Youngsters Nicole Sifuentes and Sheila Reid will also be contenders to make it to London.

The 800m has also been a marquee event for Canadian fans, with Reed and Cummins both having success at major Games in the past. This year, Andrew Ellerton will likely carry Canada’s hopes, after a breakthrough year in 2011, and could challenge for a spot in the final. With the women’s “A” standard at 1:59.90, it will be a long shot for anyone to make the team.

Middle-distance

Nate Brannen
Age: 29
Hometown: Cambridge, Ont.
PB: 3:34.65 (1500m)

Taylor Milne
Age: 30
Hometown: North Bay, Ont.
PB: 3:36.30 (1500m)

Geoff Martinson
Age: 26
Hometown: Prince George, B.C.
PB: 3:37.56 (1500m)

Hilary Stellingwerf
Age: 31
Hometown: Sarnia, Ont.
PB: 4:05.69 (1500m)

Andrew Ellerton
Age: 28
Hometown: North Bay, Ont.
PB: 1:45.04 (800m)