Psychiatrist Peters joins UK Athletics

Published on 23/10/2012 03:27

UK Athletics have hired British Cycling’s renowned sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters.

Peters, dubbed the “mechanic of the mind”, has become new UKA performance director Neil Black’s first major appointment.

It continues the post-Olympics rebuilding at the governing body following the departure of head coach Charles van Commenee. Peters has been instrumental in the recent success of Great Britain’s cycling team and the likes of Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton have credited him with having played a key role in their achievements.

Peters, who will continue to work with British Cycling in a consultancy role, met the British athletics team for the first time on Friday.

“I’m very excited to be joining the British athletics team and I am looking forward to working with the coaches and athletes on the road to Rio,” said Peters, a former masters world record holder at 200 metres, who has also worked with snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan.

“It’s a fantastic time to be involved in athletics and Neil Black is a great appointment as performance director. I will work hard to support him as he strives to maximise the team’s performance over the next four years.”

Sarah Broadhead and 
Dr Neville Warnke will join 
Peters on the UKA sports 
psychology team.