Athletics - Meet the Team

Rhiannon Hawker

Head of Athletics

Rhi is a proud alumna of Cardiff Met having spent 5 years as an undergraduate and masters student here, before graduating and securing a role within Welsh Athletics as the Head of Competition.

She returned to Cardiff Met as the Head of Athletics in May 2023 and oversees the athletics system at the university, including the performance, junior, events, student and social engagement programmes whilst still competing internationally over 800m.

Phil Warwicker

Junior Head Coach

Phil is the Head Coach of our Junior Athletics programme, Cardiff Archers Athletics, which he has developed since the club was formed in 2012. This programme offers our students paid coaching work, as well as placements, whilst they are studying at university. In addition to managing the junior programme, Phil coaches a group of Horizontal Jumpers, including Emily Thomas (LJ 6.14); Luca Phillips (U17 LJ 7.36); Abdul Afolabi (U20 TJ 14.40); and Beca Roberts (TJ 11.90).

Emily Thomas

Club and Competitions Coordinator

Emily is the club and competitions coordinator for both Cardiff Archers Junior athletics and Cardiff Met University athletics, assisting both the Junior and University athletics programmes with club administration and preparation for competitions including Varsity and BUCS Championships. Emily is also involved with the Junior athletics as a coach, currently coaching a group of U15 Cardiff Archers development athletes, in addition to training as a long jumper herself, representing Cardiff Archers.

James Thie

Senior Lecturer Sport Coaching and Performance (Athletics)

James is a Senior Lecturer, specialising in Sports Development at the University and is also the Performance Advisor and Endurance Lead for the Athletics Club. James is also one of our many, very talented coaches. Since starting coaching in 2008, he has coached a highly successful group of athletes including BUCS, national and international medallists, and has been part of the Team GB Olympic Staff for 2 Games.

Alongside his work at the university, James regularly works as a commentator and broadcaster for organisations such as London Marathon, The Great Run group and Eurosport.