Head coach of the Excelsior High School track and field programme, David Riley, has been appointed by the World Athletics Council as a member of the World Athletics Coaches’ Commission.

According to a release from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Riley successfully advanced through the rigorous World Athletics vetting process and was formally nominated by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association for appointment to the newly constituted Coaches’ Commission.

“His selection reflects his outstanding contribution to athletics coaching, coach education, and athlete development, both locally and internationally,” the release stated.

The JAAA added that Riley’s inclusion on the commission “represents a further elevation of Jamaica’s voice and influence within global athletics governance, particularly in shaping coaching policy, standards, and athlete development frameworks at the international level.”

JAAA President Garth Gayle welcomed the appointment, describing it as a significant milestone for Jamaican athletics.

“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,” Gayle said.

He added that Riley’s presence on the commission will ensure that Jamaica’s perspectives and best practices play a meaningful role in advancing global coaching and athlete development.

Riley is the Founder and Performance Coach at Technique Lab Sports Performance and Fitness Center in Kingston. He is a World Athletics Level 3 Elite Coach in Sprints and Hurdles and holds degrees from Northeastern University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

His resume also includes a stint at Wolmer’s Boys School from 2003 to 2012 where he guided them to their historic Champs 100 win in 2010 at the ISSA Boys & Girls Championship. He has served as National Senior Track and Field Coach for Jamaican teams to the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, London 2017, Panam Games and CAC Games and has also served as Head Coach to Carifta Games, Youth Olympics 2010 and 2018, and the World University Games.