The Women in Sport High Performance Pathway Programme (WISH) aims to equip women coaches with the skills needed to succeed at elite coaching levels within their sports. This leadership programme was developed to support Recommendation 6 from the IOC Gender Equality Review Report of March 2018.
WISH focuses on developing sport-specific skills, enhancing career opportunities, and fostering leadership competencies. The programme is a joint venture between the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Sports Federations, and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), delivered over a 21-month training period. The WISH learning experience comprises three critical elements:
- Tailored to Coaches’ Needs: Customized training to address specific requirements.
- Blended Learning Opportunities: A mix of online and in-person training.
- Supported Learning Environment: Facilitated support to ensure effective learning.
Cohort 3 of 2023, which ran from November 2022 to 17 July 2024, included 30 coaches from 25 countries, representing 9 International Federations. Among these were four High Performance Rowing Coaches who successfully completed the programme. When asked about the most significant impact of the course, the WR Cohort 3 graduates shared the following personal sentiments:
“WISH was a valuable opportunity to receive 360-degree feedback – how do other people see me? Does it match with how I see myself? Surrounded by a very positive atmosphere it was an opportunity to take time to deal with myself and encouraged me to think; where am I now – what do I want to achieve in the future – how do I get there?
WISH gave me time to reflect on myself, to work on myself, get to know many phenomenal women in sports and provided many helpful sources to develop my leadership skills.”
“The programme provided skills/tools that create a roadmap when I feel stuck and don’t have a path forward. I take a deep breath in moments of struggle and reach into my WISH tool bag to work my way out of whatever problem I face.
WISH created a supportive network of female coaches that are experiencing the same challenges as me. It provided a glimpse into the greater sphere of sport outside of rowing and how I can have an impact outside of rowing if I choose that path”
“The WISH program has profoundly enhanced my confidence, allowing me to brave complex situations and think outside the box. It has empowered me to back my own decisions with clarity and conviction.”
“The WISH program offered me valuable insights into the common challenges faced by female coaches worldwide and highlighted the need for systemic changes and organizational reforms. I now realize that I’m not alone in facing these challenges. The connections I made and the strategies discussed have equipped me with the support and tools needed to advocate for meaningful progress in our sport system.”
WISH is coordinated by the University of Hertfordshire (UH), delivered by Females Achieving Brilliance (FAB) and is supported by Olympic Solidarity (OS) and the participants’ International Federations (IFs)
https://olympics.com/ioc/news/empowering-female-coaches-a-week-in-the-life-of-the-wish-programme