Richard Parkinson joined the Lions coaching staff in 2007 and works exclusively with the throwers. In his time years with the program, Parkinson has developed multiple OUA and CIS champions in the weight throw and shot put.
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A former thrower himself, Parkinson has seen national team duty as both an athlete and a coach. He is the throws coach for Team Canada at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, and he will serve the same role for the 2015 IAAF world championships in Beijing. A certified NCCP Level 3 coach in the throwing events, he participated in Athletics Canada’s national coaching mentor program in 2012 and was the throws coach for the 2012 North America, Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) U23 championships in Guanajuato, Mexico, and the 2014 event in Kamloops, B.C. He also served the same role at the 2014 world junior championships in Eugene, Oregon.
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His coaching career has included stints as a volunteer coach at the University of Buffalo, Clemson University and North Central College. He is also the throws coach for the York University Track Club.
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Parkinson graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor of arts degree in advertising and marketing and is a full-time senior marketing executive.
