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Bringing the Jamaican Way of Sprinting to New Zealand: Meet Coach Simon Bowen of AIM Athletics
Coach: Simon Bowen
Meet Coach Simon Bowen AIM Athletics! In this edition, we have the privilege of introducing Coach Simon Bowen, a remarkable individual who brings the esteemed Jamaican way of sprinting to New Zealand. Join us as we delve into Coach Bowen's background, coaching experience, and the unique impact he has made on the sprinting landscape.
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Coach Simon Bowen is not only a former professional athlete but also a seasoned coach, Philadelphia Penn Relays Director, and Track & Field Analyst. With a remarkable record, including being a 4-time NCAA All-American and a 2-time Penn Relays champion at George Mason University, he is known for his exceptional talent in the 800m event. Now residing in Wellington, New Zealand, Coach Bowen, along with his wife Alecia Cole-Bowen, and his two sons Tyree and Connor Bowen who he currently coaches has brought his wealth of experience and expertise to forming AIM Athletics - Athlete in Motion, an elite training and performance track and field club based in Wellington, New Zealand with a Jamaican philosophy to develop work class athletes.
Coach Bowen Experience & Background
Coach Bowen's coaching journey spans across various roles and locations. From being the Head Coach at Atlanta Track Affiliate TC to serving as an Assistant Track Coach at the University of Texas-Panamerican, his passion for nurturing athletic talent shines through. Notably, he also held the position of Head Distance Track Coach at St. Jago High School in Jamaica. Currently, he serves as a Community Coach at Onslow Athletics Track Club in Wellington, New Zealand.
Coach Simon Bowen's educational background is equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from George Mason University and a Master of Science in Water Resources & Environmental Engineering from Villanova University, both prestigious institutions in the United States.
Coach Bowen's Jamaican heritage has heavily influenced his coaching philosophy. The Jamaican way of sprinting, known for its explosive power, technical prowess, and sheer dominance on the global stage, forms the bedrock of his coaching approach. By incorporating Jamaican training methods and principles, Coach Bowen is shaping a new generation of talented sprinters in New Zealand.
Coach Bowen's journey from Jamaica, USA to New Zealand is a story of passion, dedication, and a desire to share his knowledge and experience with aspiring athletes. After a successful career as an athlete and gaining coaching experience in Jamaica and the United States, Coach Bowen made the decision to bring his expertise to New Zealand. The allure of the country's vibrant track and field scene especially in the middle distance arena, with notable mentions like Peter Snell, Arthur Lydiard and a huge opportunity for sprinting development coupled with the opportunity to make a lasting impact, fueled his journey to AIM Athletics.
Coach Simon Bowen's arrival in New Zealand has had a significant impact on the local athletics scene. His expertise, honed through years of experience in Jamaica and the United States, has brought a fresh perspective to the development of sprinters in New Zealand. Under his guidance, athletes have achieved remarkable milestones, pushing boundaries and realizing their true potential. The infusion of the Jamaican way of sprinting has injected new energy into the training programs and sparked a renewed sense of determination among athletes.
The Jamaican Way of Sprinting: Techniques and Training Methods
The Jamaican way of sprinting is renowned for its focus on explosive power, technical proficiency, and efficient running mechanics. Coach Simon Bowen incorporates these key elements into his training programs at AIM Athletics, ensuring that athletes develop the necessary skills to excel in their sprinting performances.
One of the cornerstones of the Jamaican way of sprinting is the emphasis on mastering sprinting techniques. Coach Bowen places great importance on the proper sprinting form, starting from the initial drive phase to maintaining speed through the finish line. Athletes are guided in achieving optimal posture, arm mechanics, leg action, and overall body position. Through meticulous attention to detail and continuous feedback, Coach Bowen ensures that athletes maximize their efficiency and effectiveness in every stride.
Explosive Power Development:
Explosive power is a vital component of sprinting success, and Coach Bowen employs various training methods to enhance athletes' power output. Plyometric exercises, such as box jumps, explosive bounding, and medicine ball throws, are incorporated into training sessions to improve lower body strength, reactive abilities, and the rate of force production. These exercises not only increase athletes' power but also contribute to better sprinting mechanics and coordination.
Acceleration and Speed Endurance:
The ability to accelerate quickly and maintain speed over a given distance is critical in sprinting events. Coach Bowen's training programs focus on developing athletes' acceleration capabilities through specialized drills and interval training. These workouts aim to improve stride length, stride frequency, and the transition from the drive phase to maximum velocity. Additionally, specific speed endurance workouts help athletes sustain their top speed for longer durations, ensuring they maintain their competitive edge during races.
Mental Conditioning and Tactical Understanding:
Sprinting success goes beyond physical abilities; mental conditioning and tactical understanding are equally crucial. Coach Bowen places significant emphasis on mental resilience, goal-setting, and visualization techniques to help athletes develop a winning mindset. Athletes are encouraged to set clear objectives, visualize successful performances, and practice mental strategies that allow them to perform at their best under pressure. Furthermore, tactical understanding and race strategies are addressed to equip athletes with the knowledge and skills to make effective decisions during competitions.
Nutrition and Recovery:
To achieve optimal performance, athletes must prioritize proper nutrition and recovery practices. Coach Bowen educates athletes on the importance of fueling their bodies with the right nutrients and maintaining hydration levels. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of adequate rest, sleep, and recovery techniques to ensure athletes can consistently perform at their peak. These aspects are essential in supporting training adaptations, reducing the risk of injury, and promoting overall well-being.
Success Stories and Testimonials
The impact of Coach Simon Bowen's coaching methods and the Jamaican way of sprinting is best illustrated through the success stories of athletes who have trained under his guidance. Athletes have experienced remarkable improvements in their performances, achieved personal bests, secured podium finishes, and even represented Jamaica at the Junior international competitions.
Coach Simon Bowen's success stories have left an indelible mark on the middle distance running at the junior level in Jamaica, particularly during his coaching tenure at St. Jago High School in 1998. In 1998, Coach Bowen made history by leading the middle and long distance program to unprecedented success at the Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, one of Jamaica's most prestigious athletic events.
Under Coach Bowen's guidance, every one of his athletes in the boys' age group (13-18) reached the championship finals, achieving top-three finishes in all events from the 800m to the 5000m. This exceptional accomplishment showcased Coach Bowen's ability to nurture talent and produce remarkable performances.
Coaching alongside the renowned Sprint Head Coach Bert Cameron, the 1983 World 400m champion gold medalist, Coach Bowen's expertise and dedication propelled his athletes to new heights. The collective efforts of the team resulted in an impressive second-place overall finish in the 1998 Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, a testament to their exceptional abilities.
One of Coach Bowen's outstanding athletes, thanks to his expert coaching, qualified for the World Junior Championships in Warsaw, Poland. Running a remarkable time of 1:49.57 in the 800m, this athlete's achievement demonstrated the caliber of training and guidance provided by Coach Bowen.
The success of Coach Bowen's athletes at St. Jago High School showcased the impact of his coaching methods and the Jamaican way of athletics. This premier ground has historically produced future world and Olympic champions, and Coach Bowen's contributions have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the athletic landscape of some of Jamaica's young athletes.
These success stories serve as a testament to Coach Simon Bowen's exceptional coaching abilities, his dedication to athlete development, and the lasting impact of the Jamaican way of sprinting. Through his expertise and guidance, he continues to inspire and empower athletes at AIM Athletics to reach their full potential and achieve outstanding performances.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to drop us a line anytime at: simon@aimtrack.nz
