JAMAICA Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayles believes David Riley’s appointment to the World Athletics Coaches’ Commission is a testament to the country’s standing in the sport.

Riley, Jamaica’s long-serving technical leader of the under-20 track and field team, was appointed to the newly formed commission by the World Athletics Council.

World Athletics says the Coaches’ Commission, “will ensure coaches’ voices are integrated into WA’s decision-making, and to ensure a dedicated forum to provide focus and drive forward identified elite coaching initiatives through proposed policies and projects advised to the World Athletics Council.”

They added that it will, “focus on elite-level coaching and related high-performance strategies and international competition environments”.

In a release on Monday, JAAA boss Gayle said, “Coach David Riley’s appointment to the World Athletics Coaches’ Commission is a proud moment for Jamaica. It underscores the high regard in which Jamaican coaches are held globally and affirms the depth of expertise that exists within our local coaching fraternity. His presence on the commission will ensure that Jamaica’s perspectives and best practices meaningfully contribute to the advancement of global coaching and athlete development.”

Riley, who serves as president of the Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association, will now serve as the lone Jamaican on the commission for the next two years, following a two-month process which included nomination, review and approval of candidates.

Riley, a World Athletics Level 3 Elite Coach in Sprints and Hurdles, has proven to be one of the top coaches in the island with successful medal hauls at several regional and international junior championships.

He also won the ISSA Boys’ Athletics Championships title with Wolmer’s in 2010 and has led Excelsior High to consistent top 10 finishes in the boys’ and girls’ sections.

Riley is also the founder of Technique Lab, the Caribbean’s first sports performance and fitness centre.