Director of Sports Science Appointed at Irish Institute of Sport

February 1, 2007.

Director of Sports Science Appointed at Irish Institute of Sport

Sean Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Irish Institute of Sport, announced today (February 1, 2007) that Professor Greg Whyte has been appointed Director of Sports Science at the Institute.

Professor Whyte, one of four key appointments to be made at the Irish Institute of Sport, will be responsible for coordinating delivery of sports science services to Ireland’s elite athletes. This includes nutrition, psychology, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, biomechanics and exercise physiology. He will be responsible for identifying the needs of individual athletes, in cooperation with their Performance Director, and ensure each athlete is supported by a team of experts working together to maximize the performance of that athlete.

Commenting on the appointment Sean Kelly stated: “We are delighted that Greg is joining us at the Institute. He has an excellent track record and will bring knowledge, experience and leadership to the role. We recognise that the impact of the Institute will depend on the quality of people we employ to deliver services to our elite athletes. The appointment of a person of the caliber of Greg Whyte demonstrates that we intend the Institute to be world class in very aspect of its work”. 

Greg Whyte (39), recognised as one of Britain’s foremost research scientists, has enjoyed a distinguished career as a sportsman and academic. Greg was a modern pentathlete winning medals at Olympic, World and European level. A widely published researcher he has worked as a consultant physiologist to a number of sports teams, including Benetton Formula One and UK Olympic squads, and football clubs, including Liverpool and West Ham.

Whyte is Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science at John Moore’s University in Liverpool. From 2004 to 2006 he was national science co-ordinator for the English Institute of Sport.

Speaking at the announcement his appointment Whyte said; “It is a very exciting opportunity to work in Irish sport. A lot of good things are happening here at the moment, there is a lot of talent at elite level and good people supporting them. I was impressed by Sean and what he wants to achieve with the Institute and I am convinced that a lot of progress can be made over the next few years on behalf of the most talented Irish athletes and players”.
 
The establishment of the Irish Institute of Sport was announced by An Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern TD in 2006. The Sean Kelly is the Executive Chairman of the Institute which is charged with improving the performance of Ireland’s elite athletes. Other key appointments the Institute will make are in three areas; sports medicine, coaching and lifestyle support.
Ends.

For further information contact;
Sinead McElroy  Irish Sports Council smcelroy@irishsportscouncil.ie 01-8608804

Additionally:
A special OB Sport show on the Irish Institute of Sport will be broadcast on RTE TWO TV at 7.30pm on Friday Feb. 2nd, and will be repeated on the afternoon of Saturday Feb. 3rd .

Attached:

Biography of Dr Greg Whyte
A Guide to the Irish Institute of Sport