His final coaching session yesterday at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre marked the end of a career assessed by many as the most successful in developing raw talent into new international calibre athletes in the UK. In so doing he has had athletes at every major championships or games in the athletics calendar including the Olympics an Commonwealth Games.
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| Coach John Powell leaves Crystal Palace for the very last time after 45 years |
Speaking after putting his clipboard and cones away for the final time, John said: "It's going to be very strange at first, but having lost so much of the love and motivation I used to have for the sport, I think I will adapt ok. I've always said that if something came up in athletics I would always be keen to stay involved in the sporting some way - it's been my life since my teens for heaven's sake - but my coaching days are over.
Asked f he had any recriminations looking back, he continued: "Am I bitter? Yes. Disappointed? Yes. But I'm also immensely proud of what I've achieved and how I've had the privilege of being able to contribute to so many people's lives and futures. It's a huge part of coaching, and one thing nobody can take away from me."
John has already added to his CV the recent successful election as a member of the Board of Governors for the Guys and St Thomas' NHS Trust, and is being very proactive in leading the PTA at his young daughters' school. The athletes he has been guiding this summer will continue to consult him for the remainder the season, after which they will seek pastures new.
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| Reflective minutes after retirement: John Powell looks on at the stadium he first frequented aged 15. |
