Guy Dresser | Oronne Communications - Another great opportunity for top coaches everywhere: USA Canoe-Kayak is looking for a sprint high performance manager. Responsible for delivering the organisation’s high performance plan, it’s based at Oklahoma City (where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, as I remember it).

The key responsibilities are working with the existing staff to launch and run a talent detection programme and developing top athletes for Olympic-level performance. The full job description is here. It’s pretty detailed and looks interesting. The job closes on March 22, so if you’re interested you’ll have to get your skates on.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume and/or questions to Joe Jacobi.

Rumour has it the job involves working closely with ex-GB coach Shaun Caven – the Scot is based in Oklahoma too and working as Director of Canoe/Kayak at Devon Boathouse where he’s busy building a group of talented athletes.

The job spec states that an excellent command of English is required – and it also says international travel is likely to be a part of the position so a passport will be necessary. I can hardly avoid referring to the oft-cited “fact” (aka “myth“) that many Americans don’t have passports to suggest that a foreigner might be considered as favourite. We hear of a number of top coaches from east European countries are scouting around for such roles.

Incidentally, our sources  say that a top Hungarian coach, Zoltan Bako former coach of Knut Holmann, may be being considered for the chief coach’ role in the UK. (This is the job for which former top athlete Ivan Lawler was turned down recently). We understand that  just two interviews were held and puffs of white smoke are expected at BCU headquarters in the next few days.