Paula Dunn has been appointed interim head coach of British Athletics

Paula Dunn has been appointed interim head coach of British Athletics. The governing body said technical director Stephen Maguire had left nine months before the Paris 2024 Olympics. The world 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith said she wanted a “full explanation” for the “disappointing decision” for Stephen Maguire exit.

Former sprinter Paula Dunn will lead the program for next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. She became UK Athletics’ first female head coach when she was appointed head coach at the 2012 Paralympic Games.

She left that role at the start of 2022, before being appointed team manager for last year’s World Indoor Championships, World Championships and European Championships.

Great Britain won 10 gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris in July and equaled their best of 10 medals, including two golds, at the World Championships in August in Budapest.

“The results from Paris and Budapest this summer were excellent and I want to ensure that we continue to provide world-class support in the run-up to Paris and help every athlete perform at their best. There is no time to waste and I am excited to rejoin UKA and help the team succeed”, said Paula Dunn.