New Coaches Join Singapore Athletics Ahead of SEA Games 2029

SINGAPORE – The excitement is palpable in Singapore Athletics (SA) as they welcome two new coaches to bolster their training programs in anticipation of the 2029 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Reedus Thurmond has been appointed as the new throws coach, while Ricardo Diez takes on the role of pathway coach.

Reedus Thurmond: A Fresh Perspective on Throws

Since his appointment on October 15, Thurmond's inbox has been buzzing with inquiries from local athletes eager to collaborate with him. Previously a throws coach for seven years in Thailand, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Thurmond expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The eagerness shown by these athletes motivates me. They possess a strong desire to excel and compete at the SEA Games level. My goal is to guide them, not just in the technical aspects of throwing, but also in their overall development as athletes." This includes helping them to improve their strength, speed, and technical skills.

Reviving Throws Competitions in Singapore

Singapore has not achieved any medals in throwing events at the SEA Games since 2015, when Zhang Guirong secured gold in the women’s shot put and Hannah Lee earned bronze in the women's discus. Thurmond is determined to change this narrative and acknowledges the challenges posed by neighboring countries.

During his tenure in Thailand, Thurmond coached top throwers, including Subenrat Insaeng, a standout in women's discus who has dominated regional competitions since 2011. He understands the competition landscape well, noting the strength of Malaysia and Thailand, among others, and emphasizes the importance of hard work and commitment from athletes.

At the most recent SEA Games, Singapore was represented by only one athlete in throws, which underscores the need for development in this discipline. Thurmond aims to field at least two athletes in each throwing event, including shot put, discus, and javelin, by the time the 2029 SEA Games arrive in Singapore.

Building a Stronger Pathway With Ricardo Diez

Joining Thurmond is Ricardo Diez, who has been appointed as the pathway coach. Diez will focus on nurturing young talent, particularly in combined events such as the heptathlon and decathlon.

Diez, who has previous coaching experience at the Singapore Sports School, believes there is significant potential among young athletes in Singapore. He aims to create a supportive environment that encourages participation in athletics, stating, "It's essential to engage with various stakeholders, from the Ministry of Education to local schools and ActiveSG. We want to build a robust pipeline of talent for future competitions."

Aiming for Regional Success

Singapore Athletics is inspired by the success of their jumps program, which has recently seen remarkable achievements and broken long-standing records. The organization hopes to replicate this success in throwing events by investing in coaching and athlete development.

Deputy General Manager Bastian Dohling commented on the strategy, saying, “By implementing a structured coaching framework, we believe our throwers can also achieve significant results on the international stage.” The ambition is to see Singaporean athletes regularly competing for medals, taking cues from countries like Japan, which showed a strong presence across various athletics events at recent competitions.

With the combined expertise of Thurmond and Diez, Singapore Athletics is on a promising path to enhance both their throws and broader athletics programs, aiming for a new era of success at the SEA Games and beyond.