British Athletics head coach Peter Eriksson is devastated to be leaving his “dream job” after just seven months, admitting there is no better role in the athletics world.
Having led the Paralympic team to third place at London 2012, the 66-year-old took over as Olympic head coach from Charles van Commenee in October.
Eriksson penned a five-year deal taking him through until the 2017 World Championships in London, but it was announced he will leave the role at the end of next month to return to Canada to be with his family.
“This has been a very tough decision for me because when I got this job six months ago, it was my dream job,” Eriksson said. “There could not be a better job in the business of athletics and work with a better team than I have done since I started here in 2009.
“I have been fortunate to work with a lot of fantastic coaches and support staff throughout.
“Whatever happens in the future, whatever I do in the future, nothing is going to be like working in the top team in the Premier League as it is to work for British Athletics.
“It is a decision that is based on my family and there is nothing I can do about that.”
Eriksson revealed he has not returned to Canada since Christmas and, while the organisation has been helpful, has found it tough being restricted to short stints.
The Swede will continue in the role until the end of June and will stay in charge for the European Team Championships.
Performance director Neil Black will oversee head coach duties for the remainder of the summer and at the World Championships in Moscow, with British Athletics chief executive officer Niels de Vos keen not to make any rash decisions.
“Clearly focusing on Moscow is important and the focus on the recruitment process, and indeed all our planning process, is longer term than that,” he said.
“It is not a short-term appointment process and we clearly know most of the people in the field, but we’re not starting this tomorrow or the next day.”