Garrett Collier has been recognized for his outstanding work, developing some of the top throwers in the world.
The Ladner resident is the recipient of Athletics Canada’s Jane and Gerry Swann Award as Development Coach of the Year.
As head and throws coach with the Richmond-based Kajaks Track and Field Club, Collier spent years working with hammer throw standout Camryn Rogers, silver medalist at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene and gold medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The 23-year-old earned a lucrative scholarship to the University of Cal-Berkley where she was a three-time NCAA champion.
More recently, Collier has worked with Chilliwack’s Rowan Hamilton, who set a new NAIA record competing for the UBC Thunderbirds.
Rogers (Athlete of the Year) and Hamilton (Canadian University Athlete of the Year) were also among the Athletics Canada award winners.
Coached by his legendary father Richard Collier, Garrett was an accomplished athlete himself, who attended Cal-Berkley on a scholarship then spent nine years as a throws coach at the University of Hawaii. The position brought the Honolulu native back to where he spent the infant years of his life before his family moved to Vancouver.
The Kajaks are hosting their annual Richard Collier Big Kahuna Throws Fest May 20 to 21 at Minoru Park.
