Global Educator, Researcher & High Performance Coach 

With a PhD in Sports Biomechanics and extensive experience as a qualified educator, Alison integrates scientific insight with practical coaching to support the development of athletes and coaches at all levels. She is a world leader in Seated Throws research and iis a frequent presenter at international coaching and Paralympic conferences. Her research and presentations have helped shape global best practice in Paralympic throwing events. She has recently become an Associate Professor at University College Dublin and is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University.

A Respected Leader in Performance & Coach Development

Alison is highly experienced in various senior roles and has a diverse professional background which includes:

• Expertise in high-performance coaching
• Providing coach education, development & mentoring
• Specialization in biomechanics & performance analysis
• Engagement in research, lecturing & speaking at conferences
• Innovative contributions to adaptive sport, such as creating the Protean STF (seated throwing frame).

Alison is also a holder of elite coaching certifications, including:

• Athletics Australia Level 5 (Master Coach)
• British Athletics Level 3 Coach.

Her coached athletes have attained remarkable success at major events like the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games, solidifying her standing as a prominent figure in high-performance sport.

Consultancy & Innovation

Upen her return to the UK in 2011, Alison has been actively involved in advancing disability and Para athletics initiatives in coach development and performance planning.

She partnered with the charity Remap to create the Protean STF, an adaptable seated throwing frame benefitting athletics clubs in nuturing seated throwers.

Heading to LA28 & Beyond

As she enters her 7th Paralympic Games cycle, Alison continues to lead, innovate, and elevate Para sport — supporting athletes, coaches, and organisations to reach and exceed their potential.

Leadership Roles

Alison has held prominent performance and coaching roles, including:

• Para Athletics Technical Lead, Paralympics Ireland
• National Executive Director, UK Anti Doping
• Associate Professor (Adj), University College Dublin
• Associate Lecturer, Open University
• Associate Coach Developer, UK Coaching
• Head Coach, AOR Squad (specialist Para throws squad)
• National Throws Coach – Paralympics Ireland
• High Performance Throws Coach – Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
• National Event Lead for Throws & Coach Education Coordinator – Athletics Australia Paralympic Preparation Programme
  
• National Trainer - World Academy of Sport
• Invictus Games, Head Coach - Help for Heroes
• Para Athletics Specialist for London 2012 - Channel 4.