Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC) is excited to announce Kraig Devlin as our new High Performance Director.
Kraig brings extensive experience in high-performance sport management, having led Canadian teams at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games during his tenure with Karate Canada and Boxing Canada. Within his roles at these two NSOs, Kraig held various responsibilities, including developing high-performance plans and athlete selection, leading the creation of a long-term karate development model, writing carding criteria, and creating gold medal profiles and winning-style models underpinned by research.
In addition to his sport leadership, Kraig’s background as a firefighter has honed his skills in team leadership, decision-making, and resilience—essential qualities for guiding high-performance environments. With a Master’s degree in High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership from the University of British Columbia, he combines strategic expertise with hands-on experience to support athlete success.
Devlin said of his appointment:
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Climbing Canada’s high-performance program. I look forward to building a collective vision of high performance within CEC that supports the significant work that has already been completed. I see a future at CEC where we embrace continuous improvements and learnings informed by research and accepted best practices while putting athletes first as we push toward the top. I am excited to begin meeting key people in the organization, having meaningful conversations and getting to work.
As part of the Hiring Committee for this position, Madison Richardson, a Team Canada athlete and CEC director, played an integral role in Kraig’s interview and selection process. Reflecting on the decision, Madison expressed her enthusiasm for Kraig’s appointment, stating:
I am very excited to have Kraig join Climbing Canada. His leadership style and experience will be a great asset to our team. I am confident that trust will be built quickly under his guidance and that the high-performance program will continue to grow and thrive with him at the helm.
As High Performance Director, Kraig will oversee national training programs, develop pathways for Canadian climbers, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance the future of the sport in Canada. His passion for fostering excellence and his leadership capabilities mark an exciting new chapter for CEC.
Please join us in welcoming Kraig to the CEC team as we look forward to achieving new heights together!
Kraig resides in Victoria, British Columbia and can be reached at [email protected] He will start with CEC on January 6, 2025.
