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Athletes push success to new levels
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November 3, 2003
SFU athletes already have an impressive reputation for success. For Derek Hansen, that’s merely a starting point. His job is to help athletes raise the bar even higher.
The university’s new strength and conditioning advisor has worked with such superstars as champion sprinter Marion Jones and has set up Olympic training strategies for numerous national teams.
Now he’s using that expertise to help SFU athletes — some of whom will qualify for the summer Olympics — to gain strength and power.
Hansen’s expertise is broad, from speed development and training for what he calls "explosive power," to coaching education and digital video analysis and production.
"A lot of these athletes just need a plan and structure to work with," he says of those he coached over the summer and early fall. Since then he has been working to maintain their increased strength and fitness levels.
Hansen, a former track and field competitor who created his own training group, SPS Athletic, is working more closely with some teams, including men’s basketball and women’s volleyball. Members of the women’s basketball team have been following his pre-season weight program. Swimming, wrestling, and golf teams are using programs tailored specifically for their needs. Hansen expects to focus on other teams, like football and soccer, once their fall season winds down.
Wrestling coach Mike Jones sees the new position as a positive step. "It’s important for elite athletes to have professional assistance if they wish to maximize their athletic talent," says Jones, whose women’s wrestling team is gunning for the summer Olympics.
Hansen is also developing a strength and conditioning internship program for students to learn more about the practical side of preparing athletes for the demands of their sport. He also wants to promote recreational activities at SFU. "All athletes recognize the value of getting better," says Hansen, adding that athletes in all level of sport can reap benefits from a tailor-made strategy.
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Contact
Derek Hansen, 604.291.4059; derek_hansen@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, Media & PR, 604.291.3210; marianne_meadahl@sfu.ca
The university’s new strength and conditioning advisor has worked with such superstars as champion sprinter Marion Jones and has set up Olympic training strategies for numerous national teams.
Now he’s using that expertise to help SFU athletes — some of whom will qualify for the summer Olympics — to gain strength and power.
Hansen’s expertise is broad, from speed development and training for what he calls "explosive power," to coaching education and digital video analysis and production.
"A lot of these athletes just need a plan and structure to work with," he says of those he coached over the summer and early fall. Since then he has been working to maintain their increased strength and fitness levels.
Hansen, a former track and field competitor who created his own training group, SPS Athletic, is working more closely with some teams, including men’s basketball and women’s volleyball. Members of the women’s basketball team have been following his pre-season weight program. Swimming, wrestling, and golf teams are using programs tailored specifically for their needs. Hansen expects to focus on other teams, like football and soccer, once their fall season winds down.
Wrestling coach Mike Jones sees the new position as a positive step. "It’s important for elite athletes to have professional assistance if they wish to maximize their athletic talent," says Jones, whose women’s wrestling team is gunning for the summer Olympics.
Hansen is also developing a strength and conditioning internship program for students to learn more about the practical side of preparing athletes for the demands of their sport. He also wants to promote recreational activities at SFU. "All athletes recognize the value of getting better," says Hansen, adding that athletes in all level of sport can reap benefits from a tailor-made strategy.
- 30 -
Contact
Derek Hansen, 604.291.4059; derek_hansen@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, Media & PR, 604.291.3210; marianne_meadahl@sfu.ca