Paralympics: Paula Dunn named new athletics head coach

UK Athletics has appointed its first female head coach by naming Paula Dunn as the new Paralympic chief.

Dunn, 47, a European and Commonwealth 100m medallist, was part of the coaching team that helped Paralympics GB finish third at London 2012.

"London had an amazing impact on Paralympic sport in the UK and we have a real opportunity to build on that over the next four years," she said.

"I'm looking forward to unearthing more talent and building on that success."

Dunn, who takes up the post with immediate effect, replaces Peter Eriksson after he was appointed as successor to Charles van Commenee as UKA head coach.

She added: "Working closely with Peter over the past four years has been superb, but I am looking forward to taking the reins and continuing what is, in effect, a long-term plan to see further medal success in Rio in 2016.

"As a former European and Commonwealth Games medallist, I know the commitment, passion and sheer determination it takes to achieve the very best.

"I have used this experience to develop some of the best Paralympic athletes in the world and I can't wait to take the team to the next level."

Bradford-born Dunn competed in the 100m and 200m for Great Britain and is ranked fifth in the all-time national standings with personal bests of 11.15secs and 22.69secs in the respective events.

She won two 100m Commonwealth Games medals, with silver in 1986 and bronze eight years later. She also competed at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.