Key Takeaways
- Bernard Lagat, the second-fastest 1500m runner in history, has been appointed General Manager of Youth Programs at USA Track & Field
- Lagat will oversee existing national competitions including Junior Olympics, Youth National Championships, and U20 championships while launching new camps and mentor programs
- The role marks a transition from his most recent position as head cross country coach at University of Arizona and his service on USATF’s Board of Directors
- Lagat becomes the sixth Olympian employed at USATF’s national office, joining athletes who competed across five different Olympic Games from 1984 to 2016
- Programming under Lagat’s leadership will span grassroots participation through national-level elite competition, with specific attention to para-athletics expansion
From Elite Competition to Youth Programming Leadership
USA Track & Field has appointed Bernard Lagat as its new General Manager of Youth Programs. The five-time Olympian and holder of 11 world titles will take responsibility for the organization’s full range of youth initiatives.
Lagat’s competitive credentials include Olympic bronze and silver medals in the 1500m, plus his 1500m/5000m double victory at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. He currently holds the American record in the 1500m and previously held national records in the 3000m, two-mile, and 5000m.
Programming Scope and New Initiatives
Lagat will manage USATF’s established youth competition structure, which includes Junior Olympics, Youth National Championships, and U20 championships. His mandate extends beyond existing programming to develop new offerings specifically focused on camps and mentorship.
The role encompasses work with youth division leaders, regional associations, coaches, and parents. Lagat stated he plans to focus on development “from grassroots participation to national-level elite programs, including para-athletics.”
Coaching and Governance Background
Before this appointment, Lagat served as head cross country coach and assistant track and field coach at the University of Arizona. He also held a position on USATF’s Board of Directors, giving him direct exposure to the organization’s governance structure.
Born in Kenya, Lagat competed for Washington State University where he won three NCAA titles before becoming a U.S. citizen in 2004. His two-decade professional career provided experience at the highest levels of international competition.
Expanding Olympian Presence at USATF
Lagat joins five other Olympians working at USATF’s national office. The group spans multiple decades of Olympic competition: Sharrieffa Barksdale (1984, 400m hurdles), Amy Begley (2008, 10,000m), Wallace Spearmon Jr. (2008, 200m), Rob Mullett (2016, steeplechase), and Erik Kynard Jr. (2012, high jump).
Leadership Transition in Youth Development
Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track & Field, noted Lagat’s competitive achievements as a foundation for his new role. The appointment places youth programming under leadership with direct experience in athlete development and national-level competition management.
Lagat’s position gives USATF a recognizable figure with coaching experience to lead programming decisions that affect thousands of young athletes competing in sanctioned events annually. His focus on mentorship and camp development suggests expansion beyond the organization’s existing competition calendar.
via: USTF
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