Coach Petersen has been named the National Assistant Coach of the Year twice in the past three seasons. // Photo by Jordan Perez
Associate Head Coach Nic Petersen Honored as Doc Counsilman Science & Technology Award Winner by U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | Track and Field
Petersen has been named the National Assistant Coach of the Year twice in the past three seasons.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.– Florida track & field associate head coach Nic Petersen has been selected as the Doc Counsilman Science & Technology Award winner by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the USOPC announced Tuesday afternoon.
Established in 2004, the Doc Counsilman Science & Technology Award recognizes a coach who utilizes scientific techniques and equipment as an integral part of their coaching methods or has created innovative ways to use sport science.
Petersen stands out for his innovative use of sport science, having implemented biomechanical analysis and motion-capture technology that helps optimize performance, reduce injury risk and maximize athlete development while partnered with USA Track & Field Regional Sport Scientist Dr. Harper Stewart.
Petersen, in his 15th season with UF track & field, is one of the nation's premier jumps coaches. He has coached 21 NCAA champions in jumping events during his time at Florida and has twice been named National Assistant Coach of the Year in the last three seasons. On the international stage, he guided Jasmine Moore to two bronze medals at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the long jump and triple jump, marking the first time an American woman earned an Olympic medal in the triple jump. In 2025, Petersen coached Claire Bryant to a world indoor championship title in the long jump with a personal-best 6.96 meters before she added a fifth-place finish at the world outdoor championships in Tokyo, while Malcolm Clemons captured the NCAA outdoor title in the long jump.
"Behind every Team USA athlete is a dedicated network of coaches, support staff and National Governing Body partners whose leadership, expertise and commitment help drive success at every level of sport," said Rocky Harris, chief of sport and athlete services at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. "The USOPC's partnerships with National Governing Bodies are essential to creating high-performance environments that allow athletes to thrive both on and off the field of play. From developing the next generation of athletes to supporting podium performances on the world stage, these individuals and organizations play a vital role in strengthening Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. We are proud to recognize this year's award winners for their incredible impact and continued pursuit of excellence on and off the field of play."
National Governing Bodies nominated their 2025 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, with winners selected by a USOPC panel. The program recognizes and celebrates the work of outstanding coaches and support providers who make a significant impact within their sport and National Governing Body throughout the year.
Dr. James Edward "Doc" Counsilman was a legendary swimming coach, research and innovator who began his professional career at SUNY Cortland as a physical educator and swim coach. He built Indiana University's swimming program into a dynasty while making his mark on the international stage as an Olympic coach in 1964 and 1976, winning a combined 21 gold medals across both Games. He focused on the science of swimming, studying mechanics of the sport to write "The Science of Swimming," a focus of swimming instruction around the country.
Established in 2004, the Doc Counsilman Science & Technology Award recognizes a coach who utilizes scientific techniques and equipment as an integral part of their coaching methods or has created innovative ways to use sport science.
Petersen stands out for his innovative use of sport science, having implemented biomechanical analysis and motion-capture technology that helps optimize performance, reduce injury risk and maximize athlete development while partnered with USA Track & Field Regional Sport Scientist Dr. Harper Stewart.
Petersen, in his 15th season with UF track & field, is one of the nation's premier jumps coaches. He has coached 21 NCAA champions in jumping events during his time at Florida and has twice been named National Assistant Coach of the Year in the last three seasons. On the international stage, he guided Jasmine Moore to two bronze medals at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the long jump and triple jump, marking the first time an American woman earned an Olympic medal in the triple jump. In 2025, Petersen coached Claire Bryant to a world indoor championship title in the long jump with a personal-best 6.96 meters before she added a fifth-place finish at the world outdoor championships in Tokyo, while Malcolm Clemons captured the NCAA outdoor title in the long jump.
"Behind every Team USA athlete is a dedicated network of coaches, support staff and National Governing Body partners whose leadership, expertise and commitment help drive success at every level of sport," said Rocky Harris, chief of sport and athlete services at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. "The USOPC's partnerships with National Governing Bodies are essential to creating high-performance environments that allow athletes to thrive both on and off the field of play. From developing the next generation of athletes to supporting podium performances on the world stage, these individuals and organizations play a vital role in strengthening Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. We are proud to recognize this year's award winners for their incredible impact and continued pursuit of excellence on and off the field of play."
National Governing Bodies nominated their 2025 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, with winners selected by a USOPC panel. The program recognizes and celebrates the work of outstanding coaches and support providers who make a significant impact within their sport and National Governing Body throughout the year.
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