As Rio 2016 fast approaches, the USA Olympic Committee (USOC) has commissioned a programme to ensure Team USA coaches are at the top of their game.

The programme has been developed to ensure all coaches have the skills needed to give their athletes the edge. The aim is to develop their self-awareness in recognising the impact they have on others and how and when to adapt in challenging situations.

The high-impact programme was developed and delivered with People Academy, and includes at its core the use of the Thomas Sport psychometric assessments, measuring the behavioural and emotional traits of coaches. The first cohort of coaches attended a high impact module at LA Galaxy’s stadium in February 2015.

“This is the essence of coaching. You can have all the technical knowledge in the world, but if you can’t reach people, you won’t be effective.”

The objective of USOC is that every Team USA coach from the summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic Games teams will go through the programme, giving them the tools they need to ensure they are fully equipped to lead and manage their athletes and to deliver outstanding results on the highest competitive stage.

By combining People Academy’s expertise in executive coaching, leadership and communications with Thomas Sport assessments, the programme provides Team USA coaches with the advantage they need to drive their athletes to gold at the games.

“There’s so much I’ve learned. The biggest thing is recognising that the things which hold me back are also my strengths, and I need to adapt for the person I’m communicating with.”