From press release:

Colorado Springs, CO – Simon Whitfield, Olympic Gold and Silver medalist in triathlon, has joined the team of world-class athletes who have chosen to work with Carmichael Training Systems in an effort to reach the pinnacle of their sport. Whitfield will be coached by CTS Pro Coach Nick White, who also coaches 2008 Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander. Coming off a successful season that culminated in a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing, Whitfield is looking to expand his competitive horizons into 70.3 Ironman competitions, including the 2009 70.3 Ironman World Championships, as well as continuing to race on the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup circuit.

Working with Carmichael Training Systems, Whitfield will be under the watchful eyes and guidance of Chris Carmichael, best known for providing the expert direction and knowledge which helped Lance Armstrong win seven Tour de France championships, as well as assisting Peter Reid to an Ironman World Championship in 2000.

"Simon is a proven champion, and Nick and I are excited to help him achieve the new goals he has established for his career," stated Carmichael. "With Lance Armstrong, Craig Alexander, Simon Whitfield, and Carl Edwards all working with Carmichael Training Systems, 2009 is going to be a great year.”

Already known as one of the fastest runners in the Olympic-distance triathlon world, Whitfield will be working with Nick to increase his endurance for longer multi-sport events. He will also be getting used to a new bike, since athletes in draft-legal Olympic-distance triathlons compete on modified road bikes and competitors in 70.3 Ironman events – where drafting is against the rules – ride more specialized aerodynamic machines and riding positions. As they have with Armstrong and Alexander, this will likely mean a trip to a wind tunnel to optimize Simon's cycling position.

Asked about his motivation to change coaches after a long time working with Canadian National Team coach Joel Filiol, Whitfield commented, “Joel is a great coach and close friend, and I want to give him more of an opportunity to work with the younger up-and-coming triathlon talent in Canada. And at this point in my career, I think a change would do me good and give me a fresh outlook on my training and racing. Nick and Chris were obviously very successful working with Craig Alexander, and I talked to them about their coaching philosophy and I think it's a great match for me. We've already gotten started and I'm excited about the years to come. I want one more shot at Olympic gold in 2012, but I also want to branch out and compete in some of the other great distances and events triathlon has to offer.”

Founded in 2000 by Olympian, US Olympic Committee Coach of the Year, and bestselling author, Chris Carmichael, Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) inspires and empowers the athlete in every body to perform at their best. For more on Carmichael Training Systems and its approach to fitness, nutrition, and health, go to www.trainright.com.