Collin Matiza, Zimpapers Sports Hub
UNITED States-based Zimbabwean athletics coach Ken Harnden has been nominated for the World Athletics’ Coach of the Year award for 2026.
Harnden, who is the head coach of the track and field programme at Auburn University, was selected for the new-look prestigious award together Brazilian Felipe de Siqueira and Rolando “Lonnie” Greene of the Bahamas.
The three finalists have been announced for the Coach of the Year award that will form part of the World Athletics Awards on Sunday November 29.
According to the World Athletics, Harnden, de Siqueira and Greene are all in the running “for the honour that shines a spotlight on those who play a vital role in guiding athletes in the sport”.
Harnden, a two-time Olympian for Zimbabwe and veteran sprints coach, was recognised for his role in helping American hurdles Ja’Kobe Tharp to set a world record in the 110m hurdles this year.
Ja’Kobe Tharp, who at only 20 years of age, set a 12.75 world record in the 110m hurdles and then won the Ultimate title in 2026.
Harnden’s nomination recognises Tharp’s progression within the Auburn University programme from world Under-20 champion to senior world record-holder.
Harnden, a former hurdler, also coaches top Zimbabwean sprinter Makanakaishe Charamba at Auburn University.
The other finalist, de Siqueira of Brazil is the long-time coach of Alison dos Santos, the two-time Olympic medallist who set a 45.80 world record in the 400m hurdles and won at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in 2026.
De Siqueira’s nomination recognises the long-term development of Dos Santos from emerging talent to world record-holder, according to World Athletics.
The other nominees, Greene of the Bahamas is the coach of Masai Russell and Devynne Charlton.
In 2026, Russell set a world 100m hurdles record of 12.09 and won the Ultimate title, while Charlton equalled her 7.65 world indoor record when winning the world indoor 60m hurdles title.
Greene’s nomination for the Coach of the Year award recognises both outstanding performances and the depth of his elite hurdles programme.
According to World Athletics, the Coach of the Year honour builds on the previous World Athletics Coaching Achievement Award.
Members of the Coaches’ Commission, which was established at the end of 2025, decided on the long list of nominees as part of the revamped voting system.
Area coaches’ associations, or alternative nominated bodies in areas where a coaches’ association is not established, then voted by ranking the nominees to ensure full voting representation across all six areas to decide on the three finalists and one winner.
The winner will be announced live on stage during the World Athletics Awards on November 29.
Other awards presented on stage will include the World Athlete of the Year and Rising Star honours, the President’s Award and, for the first time, the Moment of the Year award.
