A statement issued by the IAAF late April, said it was only fair that coaches are recognised for their behind the scenes work in preparing athletes for competition.
Uganda’s most decorated athlete Stephen Kiprotich has been under the tutelage of senior Uganda Prisons officer Nalis Bigingo for years.
“The medals, gifted to successful athletes once they return from their ceremony, will be for them to hand to their coach or significant advisor in recognition of the unique and valued working relationship between athlete and coach,” the IAAF and Local Organising Committee of the London World Championships said in a statement.
Uganda Athletics Federation secretary Beatrice Ayikoru was equally excited with the development.
“Often coaches do not get the credit they deserve. It is very good to recognise the efforts of coaches in preparing an athlete for competition,” she said.
“Unlike coaches, managers are by law entitled to 15% of an athlete’s earnings. So unless a coach is part of the management team, they may not benefit much on that front,” Ayikoru stressed. – See more at: http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1455245/coaches-medals-london-iaaf-world-championships#sthash.rQttP2AX.dpuf