From Carnegie Mellon University Athletics
Gary Aldrich, head coach of the Carnegie Mellon University track and field teams, was the throws instructor at the Brazilian Olympic Committee Coaches Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 18-22. Aldrich was asked by the academy to serve in this position following his stint as the U.S.A. Men's Throws Coach at the 2017 IAAF World Outdoor Championships that were held in London in August.
The academy was an intensive learning environment where Aldrich lectured for four hours a day as well as an additional four hours of "Learn by Doing" at the throwing area. Aldrich was joined by three other coaches from across the world – Dwight Phillips of the United States, a four-time World Outdoor Champion, Indoor World Champion and 2004 Olympic long jump champion, along with England's Peter Thompson and Germany's Ralph Mouchbahani, who are curriculum developers of the IAAF Coaches Education Program.
"I can't thank USAT&F, Rob Lasorsa of the National Throws Coaches Association, and most importantly Marcelo Braga of the Brazilian Olympic Committee enough for offering me my first opportunity to speak internationally," said Aldrich. "The coaches' academy was a very intensive learning environment for the Brazilian coaches. I was humbled by how receptive they were to my coaching system, style, and information.
"The Brazilian coaches were so excited to learn, but more importantly share with me their experiences and situations that they deal with on a daily bases. The bonus for me was the interaction I had on a daily basis with the other instructors Dwight Phillips, Peter Thompson, and Ralph Mouchbahani. I know Carnegie Mellon's track and field program will be better because of this opportunity."
In July 2010, Aldrich served as the assistant throws coach for the NACAC (North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association) Under 23 Team and in July 2012, he served as the throws coach for the United States at the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Barcelona, Spain. Two years ago, Aldrich coached the throwers at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, before being named the Men's Throws Coach for the 2016 World Indoor Championships last March in Portland, Oregon.
