Derek Wilcox

Derek Wilcox has been a coach of young athletes (10 - 18) for 25 years in the North East of England. Currently a senior coach at Gateshead Harriers, Derek's unique style of coaching has always centred around his young athletes having fun while also working hard to get fit and compete to a high standard. Despite the stresses of running his own business he has given up all his free time over the years to support and encourage young athletes through 25 summers and cold winters. A true enthusiast for young people, it is very common to see Derek driving around to athletes houses to pick them up to go to a competition if their parents can't make it. Now at the age of 68 he still talks so enthusiastically about the latest future olympic star he has discovered. A true unsung athletics hero who has inspired hundreds of young people over the years.