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World Athletics Names de Siqueira, Greene and Harnden Coach of the Year Finalists

The three coaches are shortlisted for the November 29 award after guiding leading hurdlers through the 2026 season.

Masai Russell celebrates with a trophy and the U.S. flag after the 100-meter hurdles final in Budapest on September 11, 2026.
Masai Russell celebrates winning the 100-meter hurdles final in Budapest on September 11, 2026. Her coach, Lonnie Greene, is one of the three World Athletics Coach of the Year finalists. · Credit: Armin Durgut / Associated Press, via KPRC/Click2Houston

World Athletics named Felipe de Siqueira, Rolando “Lonnie” Greene and Ken Harnden as finalists for its 2026 Coach of the Year award on Wednesday. The winner will be announced at the World Athletics Awards on November 29.

Brazil’s de Siqueira is the longtime coach of Alison dos Santos. The governing body cited his role in developing the 400-meter hurdler from an emerging athlete into a world-record holder.

Greene, from the Bahamas, coaches hurdlers Masai Russell and Devynne Charlton. His nomination recognizes both their performances and the depth of his training program.

Zimbabwe’s Harnden coaches Ja’Kobe Tharp. World Athletics highlighted Tharp’s progression through Auburn’s program from world under-20 champion to a senior world-record holder.

The award builds on the former World Athletics Coaching Achievement Award. A Coaches’ Commission selected the long list, after which regional coaches’ associations or nominated alternatives ranked the candidates. The process was designed to include all six geographic areas.

The three names are finalists; the November 4 announcement did not designate a winner.

Sources and notes

  1. Finalists announced for 2026 Coach of the Year award — https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/finalists-2026-coach-year-award