Allan and Sam land key new roles in our Performance Team

Monday 3rd July 2023

Allan Hamilton and Sam O’Kane – new roles in our Performance Team

scottishathletics are delighted to confirm two key appointments within our Performance Team.

After our increased investment from sportscotland was revealed we advertised the roles of National Talent Manager and National Field & Combined Events Manager.

Now after a strong recruitment process, led by our Head of Performance Mark Pollard, we are pleased to announce appointments as follows:

*Allan Hamilton will be our National Talent Manager

*Sam O’Kane will join us as National Field & Combined Events Manager.

Scotland international and multiple sprints and jumps medallist Allan moves from a job with us already as Performance Administrator and Jumps Project Lead.

Allan will be asked to refine and evolve our key pathway project, the 4J National Athletics Academy, as well as supporting the development and progression of other key talent pathway projects as we look to see our best young athletes retained in the sport to maximise their potential as senior athletes.

Sam, who has experience in the sport as an athlete, coach and event organiser, can’t wait to get started in his position – working together with athletes, coaches and other key stakeholders in the Field and Combined Events in order to continue the development and progress in these event areas.

Both will start work in these posts later this month.

‘The Birmingham Commonwealth Games cycle was hugely successful for athletics in Scotland,’ said Mark.

‘As we now look ahead, we appreciate greatly the trust sportscotland has shown in us as the governing body to help maintain that momentum.

‘That trust includes additional investment for these two roles in our performance team.

‘Both of these roles can have a big impact on our pathway ‘system’ and, through hard work as well as strong connections with the sport via athletes, coaches and clubs, I firmly believe Allan and Sam can help us continue the progress we have seen in the sport in their respective areas.

‘The over-riding goal is to provide a pathway that enhances the likelihood of our best athletes staying in the sport to maximise their potential at the Senior level at future major championships.’

It’s important that everyone in the sport gives our team the best support they can to overcome any challenges and we do feel #SALtogether approach works best in Scotland, with each ‘niche’ area of the sport supporting others and pulling same direction.

The Performance Administrator role vacated by Allan’s job switch will be advertised soon.