Greene, who also won the European title for Britain and the Commonwealth title for Wales last year, has benefitted from the coaching expertise that helped John Akii-Bua of Uganda win the Olympic 400m hurdles title in 1972 and which steered Colin Jackson to a wealth of 110m hurdles successes, including two world titles and a world record.

Greene's younger training partner, Jack Green, also made the semi-finals in Daegu in what was his first World Championship experience.

Arnold, formerly national coach for Wales and head coach of British Athletics, is now based at the High Performance Centre at the University of Bath.

The top prize in the male category was taken by Newport boxing coach Tony Borg.

Club coach to Sean McGoldrick, he played his part in preparing and training the Newport boxer to a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Delhi last October.

While, another successful season indoors and outdoors, saw Cardiff Amateur Athletics Club coach Helen James (pictured) take the top female coach award.

Emphasising the importance of coaches to Welsh sport, Welsh Government funding helps Sport Wales invest around £5 million ($8 million/€6 million) each year in grassroots and elite coaching.

Sports Minister Huw Lewis said: "We have a wealth of talented sports coaches across Wales and their dedication and passion is helping athletes of all abilities to reach their full potential.

"These inspirational coaches instil virtues beyond sporting excellence such as discipline, team work, patience and striving to be your best.

"Whether as a professional or volunteer coach, their contribution is equally valued and I feel privileged to recognise their hard work and achievements.

"Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists."

Sport Wales, along with its partners, has committed to doubling the number of coaches and volunteers in Wales, to around 250,000 by 2016 – around 10 per cent of the population.

Chair of Sport Wales, Professor Laura McAllister said: "As well as my pride in seeing Welsh athletes and teams pick up medals and trophies, learning about the inspirational work of these coaches and volunteers is one of the best parts of my role at Sport Wales.

"As we continue to achieve success we would be nothing without the people who put in hours and hours every week, often unpaid, to provide opportunities and improve our next generation of stars.

"There are coaches and volunteers somewhere in Wales who are bringing through the next Sam Warburton, Gareth Bale and Dai Greene.

"But the main thing for coaches and volunteers is to help youngsters and athletes to be the best they can be – on whatever level.

"It isn't just about elite sport but giving opportunities to everyone.

"Our winners and finalists show how this is done in Welsh sport.

"We will continue to encourage, support and improve coaches in any way we can.

"We need the public to step forward and help out in their community – particularly with big events like London 2012 increasing interest like never before."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2011: Age no barrier for alchemist Arnold