27 Jan Saucony Establishes Elite Athlete Development Team
Saucony will deepen its commitment to elite athlete development with the signing of 2004 Olympian Tim Broe as program director of the newly-created Saucony Elite Athlete Development Team. The long-term partnership with Broe, a 10-time USA National Champion and recipient of the 2015 Boston Globe Cross Country Coach of the Year, will allow Saucony to expand its support of up-and-coming runners and identify post collegiate athletes who are interested in further developing their talent. Broe is the current coach of Saucony athlete and 2015 American 5K road record holder Ben True.
Broe will oversee the new Saucony Elite Athlete Development Team of 10-15 athletes who are located throughout the United States. Saucony will support the team with living expenses and travel per diem to races, performance-based race bonus payments, and footwear and apparel. Athletes will also be able to take advantage of Saucony’s Human Performance and Innovation Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that helps athletes perform at their highest level.
“At Saucony, our mission is to empower the human spirit through running,” said Mark Bossardet, vice president of sports marketing for Saucony. “Tim does that and more. It was critical to identify a person who could lead, inspire and understand the athlete’s journey. Tim’s own competitive background combined with his coaching expertise will empower our team of rising stars, helping them to further identify and achieve their goals. Tim has a strategic vision to help build this team and successfully expand our support of competitive athletes of all levels.”
“We look forward to providing these young, talented runners total access to our staff and facility,” said Spencer White, head of the Saucony Human Performance and Innovation Lab. “We understand the challenges faced by elite runners including injury prevention and recovery strategies. Our approach is to help each individual team member achieve their personal goals through athletic performance evaluation and research-based training strategies.”
“I’m very excited to be on board with Saucony and appreciate this incredible opportunity to be part of a brand that values runners of every level,” said Broe. “I’m looking forward to identifying and working with athletes who have the potential and desire to take their careers to the next level, turning their dreams into reality.”
Broe, presently the boys’ track and cross country coach at Wellesley High School in Wellesley, MA, is a 2004 Olympian in the 5,000m as well as winner of the 2004 Olympic Trials 5,000m. He is a three-time USA National Outdoor 5,000m Champion, three-time USA National Cross Country Champion; former American record holder in 3,000m; and 12-time NCAA All-American at University of Alabama.
Saucony is a part of Wolverine Worldwide.