Gearing up for the 2011 Youth Coaches Conference

This is the 16^th edition of the Youth Coaches Conference and the Princeton location is significant for a number of reasons. Princeton is best known amongst rowers as the home of the United States women’s sweep squad and the Olympic and World Champion women’s eight. Princeton is known for hosting the 2001 World Rowing Cup as well as the home of Princeton University which boasts a top collegiate rowing programme.

The growing line-up of international speakers at the conference already includes Dr Jo Hannafin. Dr Hannafin is fully involved in World Rowing activities as a current FISA medical commission member. Pulling on her vast knowledge as an orthopedic surgeon and work with Olympic athletes as well as her personal experiences as a rower, Hannafin will talk about injury prevention.

Three-time US Olympian and World Champion, Bob Kaehler will be talking about strength and conditioning. Kaehler, a physical therapist, has developed a system based on body balance – using a mixture of strength and flexibility to get the most out of an athlete’s body.

The psychology of an athlete is often discussed but rarely is the psychology of coaching broached. Cristina Fink, PhD, a former Olympian from Mexico, realised that coaches needed help as well as athletes. The coaches will be the focus of her presentation.

Using examples from a number of countries, talent identification of athletes will be discussed. Presenting these examples are Great Britain’s Steve Gunn, Canada’s Phil Marshall and Barbara Fenner of Australia.Olympic Champion and current US national team member, Erin Cafaro will speak about her approach to nutrition. Cafaro will handle the topic from an athlete’s perspective. She is known as the team member that other team members consult when they need nutritional advice. Also speaking on nutrition is Andrea Braakhuis. Braakhuis, PhD, is currently based at the Olympic Training Centre in Chula Vista, California as a sports dietitian. She has also worked at the Australian Institute of Sport and New Zealand Academy of Sport.

Conference organiser Barbara Grudt said that part of the appeal for those attending the conference, apart from the speakers, is the chance for participants to get together and talk and learn from each other. With this in mind the conference has a number of social events.

“I'm particularly excited about the outing to Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon,” says Grudt. “Everyone will take an historic tour of the city. Then we'll have a progressive dinner along Boathouse Row. It's a special opportunity.”

For more information and registration, please click here.