The United States Track & Field coaching staff was recently named for the 2022 season. SPIRE Academy, home to one of the largest indoor and outdoor track and field complexes in the world, is proud to announce that Kibwé Johnson, Director of Track & Field and Head Coach – Throws, is one of the elite coaches that will be leading Team USA for the 2022 season. 

Coach Johnson established himself as one of the nation’s best hammer throwers of all time, claiming five US titles and four US runner-up nods and was a part of numerous US national teams before his retirement in 2017. The two-time Olympian and Pan American gold medalist joined SPIRE in 2021. His love of coaching athletes looking to elevate their game came from the mentors who inspired him along the way. Johnson’s philosophy is simple and spot-on when it comes to attaining success in training athletes of all ages. “My coaching style is built on communication and the belief that relationships matter. Being a husband and father has helped me become more effective as a coach.” 

USATF Coaching positions are based upon nominations and then voting by peers. The opportunity is one Johnson is extremely grateful for, especially reconnecting and spending time with other athletes he’s known through the decades while meeting new. “It really is an incredible feeling having so many connections from all over the world in a sport I truly value. Every place we go has so much to offer to the human experience.”

Influential definitely defines Johnson when it comes to leading his students at home and his team abroad. His next assignment for USATF will come as an Assistant Coach for Throws at the World Athletics U20 Championships, August 1-6, in Cali, Colombia.