Ankron has extensive international experience operating at senior level in high performance sport over the past 15 years, including having been High Performance Director of Athletics New Zealand since 2007. 

His other previous roles include being the head coach at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, national team coach in Bahrain and various roles in the United States, including head track and field and cross country coach at North Carolina-Willmington and Valparaiso University.

John Foley, the chief executive of Athletics IReland, said: "I am delighted that Kevin is joining Athletics Ireland, and I am confident that he will be successful in the direction and implementation of key strategies to deliver a world class high performance programme to support our talented athletes."

Ray Flynn, chairman of High Performance at Athletics Ireland and a former world-class miler who is now a leading agent, said that Ankron had been hired to help the sport find success beyond next year's Olympics in London.

He said: "Kevin Ankrom has worked and been successful in high performance programmes in a number of countries and brings a wealth of experience with him to Athletics Ireland.

"I look forward to Kevin driving High Performance up to London 2012 and on to Rio de Janeiro 2016."

Ankrom claimed he is ready for his new role.

He said: "I am excited about the challenges, competitive opportunities, and the development of a high performance programme for Athletics Ireland leading into London 2012 and Rio 2016.

"Most importantly, I am looking forward in meeting with our high performance athletes and coaches and discussing ways of support for the future."


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April 2007: Former British chief coach appointed by Ireland