Jutta Lau Wins Coach of the Year Award

German women’s head coach Jutta Lau has been named the “FISA Coach of the Year” by the International Rowing Federation (FISA).

Three other international coaches had also been nominated for the 2001 award, French national team director Eberhard Mund, Austrian national team coach Martin Kessler and Romanian coach Nick Gioga.

Lau took charge of the German women’s sculling programme in 1984 and has since led her crews to 18 World Championship titles and five Olympic gold medals, including the women’s double and women’s quad gold medals in Sydney.

"I find it absolutely fantastic to have won this prize, I am very happy” said Lau of the award but was quick to acknowledge those who helped her achieve it: “This is a prize I couldn't have won alone, and so I'd like to thank all my athletes who have worked very hard.”

After voting by the FISA Executive Committee and the Competitive Rowing Commission the winner was announced Saturday during the annual FISA Coaches Conference held in Bucharest, Romania.

“Lau’s crews have always been at the top level in international competition  – she is truly a talented coach.” said FISA President Denis Oswald.

During her own sporting career, Lau rowed at the international level in the women’s quad and brought home 2 World Championships titles as well as two Olympic gold medals, one in 1976 and the second in 1980.

Based in Potsdam, Germany, Lau says to enjoy concerts and the theatre when she is not on the water.

Introduced in 1998, previous recipients of this prestigious award are Bent Jensen of Denmark and Al Morrow of Canada. Last year the award went to Great Britain men’s chief coach Jürgen Grobler.