Meet our Coaches
At Weir Archer Academy, our athletes are guided by an elite team of coaches, led by the legendary Jenny Archer MBE; the mastermind behind David Weir CBE’s six Paralympic gold medals and eight London Marathon victories. With unrivaled expertise in developing disability and para-athletes, our coaching team is dedicated to unlocking potential, refining technique, and pushing every athlete to achieve their best.
Whether you're aiming for the Paralympics or simply want to grow as an athlete, this is your chance to train with the best, be part of an inspiring team, and take your performance to the next level.
- Coached three athletes to the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games
- FA Cup winner in Wimbledon FC’s backroom staff
- Kingston Borough Eileen Grey Award 2016
- A record seven London Marathon victories with David Weir and one with Josh Cassidy
- A record seven Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon victories
- A total of seven Paralympic gold medals
- Total of three Paralympic silver medals
- Total of two Paralympic bronze medals
- Eight gold IPC European Championship medals
- Four silver IPC European Championship medals
- Six gold IPC World Championship medals
- One gold Commonwealth Games medal
- High Performance Coach of the Year award 2004, 2008, and 2012
- Coach of the Year in 2012
- Elite Coach Award in 2013
- First female into Hall of Fame 2019
- Club recognition award winner 2019
Liz joined the coaching team at the Weir Archer Academy in 2022, invited by Jenny Archer, and immediately became an integral part of the academy. With a coaching career that began in 1984, Liz brings over four decades of experience across athletics, including coaching throwers to exceptionally high standards, supporting injured military personnel at Headley Court, and many years of involvement with Surrey County Athletics as both an athlete and official. Her contribution to the sport was recently recognised with a commendation from UK Athletics for more than 40 years of service to officiating.
Although Liz arrived at the academy with no prior experience in wheelchair racing, she embraced the role wholeheartedly. Working closely with wheelchair athletes has given her a deep, first-hand understanding of the challenges they face, and she considers it a privilege to be part of such an outstanding environment. Known for her ever-present smile, high-vis jacket and clipboard, Liz consistently brings structure, encouragement and positivity, helping every athlete get the best out of themselves while making the academy a joyful place to be.
Alongside her coaching, Liz finds time to actively fundraise for the academy and other charities, famously knitting hats and gloves to support good causes. Her consistency, professionalism, generosity of spirit and sense of fun have made a lasting impact, and the Weir Archer Academy would not be what it is today without her.
Don't Miss Out on Apex Summit's Top Sessions
"Getting the best out of your body is about more than just pushing weights and covering miles and miles on the track.
It's also about getting the right coaching, advice about nutrition, psychological development and harnessing all that science has to offer."
