NZ Super-Coach Craig Kirkwood on Olympic Medals & Being Blindsided by Hayden Wilde
Episode Description
Craig Kirkwood was a really good runner – his marathon PB was 2 hours 13 minutes and he made the NZ Commonwealth Games team.
Now he has become a world class coach, working with everyone from weekend warriors who want to do a faster Park Run, through to elite athletes like Hayden Wilde, Sam Tanner and Sam Ruthe – the 16-year-old who has been setting the running world on fire with his record-breaking times in the mile.
This podcast is part of the Craig Kirkwood story.
+ His early years in Timaru, including an unforgettable encounter with coaching guru Arthur Lydiard.
+ His running years including training in Kenya, and the disappointing of falling short at the Commonwealth Games.
+ His predictions for the future of Sam Ruthe
+ How he met Hayden Wilde and his reflections on their split
+ Then I put your questions to Craig. This section of the podcast is packed with tips and suggestions for anyone who wants to start running, or runs but wants to do it better.
You’ll love this conversation if you are into running. For everyone else, it is an peak into the mind of one of New Zealand athletics great modern coaches.
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Brief Summary
Craig Kirkwood discusses coaching elite runners, including Sam Tanner and Sam Ruth, and shares insights on training and athlete development.
Key points
- Craig Kirkwood's Coaching Impact. Exploration of Craig Kirkwood's influence and respect in the coaching community.
- The Impact of Technology in Running. Advancements in running shoe technology can significantly affect performance on race day.
- First Experience in the Black Singlet. Wearing the national singlet for the first time was a memorable moment despite challenges.
- Commonwealth Games Disappointment. Facing injury and a DNF at the Commonwealth Games was a tough moment in his career.
- The Challenge of Coaching. Transitioning from a sales job to coaching was a terrifying pivot, but it all fell into place.
- Aiming for Olympic Glory. The coach's goal is to develop a female athlete to the Olympics, aiming for a medal.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Craig Kirkwood's Coaching ImpactExploration of Craig Kirkwood's influence and respect in the coaching community.“It speaks volumes about how much esteem they hold you in.”3:01Mar 3, 2026
- The Impact of Technology in RunningAdvancements in running shoe technology can significantly affect performance on race day.“"You can't sit here and complain about today's technology."”16:56Mar 3, 2026
- First Experience in the Black SingletWearing the national singlet for the first time was a memorable moment despite challenges.“"It was a cool experience to pull on the black singlet and represent the country."”17:42Mar 3, 2026
- Commonwealth Games DisappointmentFacing injury and a DNF at the Commonwealth Games was a tough moment in his career.“"I just knew it wasn’t going to work."”27:03Mar 3, 2026
- The Challenge of CoachingTransitioning from a sales job to coaching was a terrifying pivot, but it all fell into place.“It’s a terrifying pivot though, isn’t it?”36:01Mar 3, 2026
- Aiming for Olympic GloryThe coach's goal is to develop a female athlete to the Olympics, aiming for a medal.“My next goal now is to take a female from that same spot to the Olympics.”38:44Mar 3, 2026
- Tough Conversations at World ChampsReflecting on the challenges faced during the World Championships, the coach shares insights on tactical mistakes and future improvements.“This year at the World Champs was pretty tough for both of us.”48:58Mar 3, 2026
- Future of a Rising StarThe coach expresses confidence in a young athlete's potential to become one of New Zealand's greats, emphasizing his capabilities.“I think he’s going to go down as one of New Zealand’s greats.”57:41Mar 3, 2026
