KEY POINTS:
New Zealand triathlete Sam Warriner said today former world champion Siri Lindley will be her new coach.
Lindley, an American, retired from the triathlon in 2002 as the reigning women's world No 1 and won two world titles in her career.
Warriner said Lindley, who will orchestrate all aspects of her training and racing programme, would help her achieve her goal of winning a world championship.
Under coaches such as Ian Babe, Brendon Downey and Murray Healey, Warriner, who finished 16th at the recent Beijing Olympics, has notched six International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup victories.
Healey, of Fat Dogs Coaching in Whangarei was her coach in the leadup to the Olympics.
"Murray and I always agreed that he would take me as far as the Beijing Olympics," Warriner said.
"Murray has a young family and business and has worked tirelessly over the past two years for the Olympic campaign.
"I'm now ready to take the next step. I've won big races but I'd like to be a world champion before my career is over and I feel I need the guidance of somebody who has actually competed at an international level if I am to achieve this.
"It will be great for my own coaching too. I love helping others and currently coach a handful of recreational triathletes (and) when I finally do retire I'd like to coach in New Zealand.
"What better way to set myself up for this than learn from one of the world's best."
Lindley said Warriner had a lot of potential still to be tapped.
" Sam has had a tremendous career thus far, but I honestly believe that she has only just scratched the surface of what she is capable off.
"I see so much potential in her, to be the very best in the world - Sam and I will make an incredible team."
Warriner's programme for the rest of the year include races at the World Cup round in Lorient, France on September 28, the US Open at Dallas on October 5 and the final World Cup round in Mexico on October 26.
Ranked No 3 in 2007, Warriner is currently third in the world rankings.
Warriner would need to finish eighth or better in either of the two remaining World Cup rounds to overtake current No 2, Helen Tucker.
The Briton is injured and not competing in the final two events.
- NZPA
