CHULA VISTA, Calif. – With a week's worth of course instruction at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Cal Poly Pomona head coach Troy Johnson is close to earning one of the most sought-after coaching certificates in the sport of track and field.

From Jan. 1 to Jan. 7, Johnson joined 40 other coaches at the USA Track & Field (USATF)/International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Academy for Sprints and Hurdles. The Broncos' cross country and track and field head coach was just one of four to be awarded a scholarship for the cost of the course, which included training with world renowned international and collegiate coaches.

"Among the coaches at the academy there was a consensus that all of us are looking to impact the student-athletes in the best possible way, on and off the track," Johnson said. "Not only was I able to learn from the instructors but I also gained a lot of knowledge from the other coaches who were also working toward the certification."

Once Johnson finishes an interdisciplinary study this summer, he will receive the USATF/IAAF Academy diploma and certification. The IAAF Academy Diploma is the highest recognized achievement awarded through the IAAF Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS). It is recognized around the world and indicates that a coach is not only highly experienced but has the knowledge to coach or instruct at the highest international levels of the track and field profession.

In addition to demonstrating his experience and expertise, the diploma will also allow Johnson to teach at USATF Level II coaching schools and makes him eligible to coach teams representing the United States at international competitions.

With all of the talent around, each visit to the Olympic Training Center is an eye-opening experience. While on break, Johnson was able to witness practices of several U.S. national teams from other sports such as soccer and rugby. During one lunch, he sat down and chatted with Jason Richardson, a world champion in hurdles.

"In between all of the sessions we had with our instructors, we would then take that knowledge and work on projects with the track athletes training at the Olympic center," Johnson said. "The entire program was based around training elite athletes and we certainly got plenty of practical experience throughout the week."

Returning to the CPP campus Monday, Johnson expressed excitement over the 2012 track and field season and the development of the returning and incoming student-athletes.

"With the knowledge I've gained from the academy, I'm looking forward to implementing the information slowly but effectively into the Broncos' program," Johnson said. "Our student-athletes are quick learners so the benefits of improved training will come quickly."