Bidder, a Welshman, the former head of UK Athletics' world class potential programme, had first been appointed to the role in May 2003.

 

He will work closely with another Briton, Eric Hollingsworth, who has been appointed Athletics Australia high performance manager, replacing Max Binnington.

 

News of the appointments came on the same day that UK Athletics appointed Canadian Kevin Tyler to the role of strategic head of coaching and development.

 

He joins Dutchman Charles van Commenee as the head coach while Peter Eriksson, a Swede, will oversee preparations for the 2012 Paralympics, and an Australian will be the chief physiotherapist.

 

Australia finished equal eighth in the athletics medal table at the Olympics in Beijing with four medals, one gold, two silver and a bronze.

 

AIS director, Professor Peter Fricker said the re-appointment of Bidder was a major boost to the Institute’s athletics programme.

 

He said: "Tudor is a quality coach who brings a range of new concepts and a fresh approach to our athletics programme.

 

"He has an intimate knowledge of Australia’s elite athletics pathways and is well placed to guide Australia’s talented young athletes in their quest for excellence.

 

"Tudor’s re-appointment continues the co-operative arrangement between the AIS and Athletics Australia."

 

Hollingsworth has extensive international and national high performance experience in athletics having held the positions of head coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport and performance director at Athletics New Zealand.

 

Athletics Australia chief executive Officer Danny Corcoran said Hollingsworth was well equipped to take the programme forward through his vast experience and expertise.

 

Corcoran said: “Eric is a passionate ambassador for athletics and sport in general and brings to us a wealth of experience in the elite sports management.

 

"Both he and Tudor will work closely together to develop the roadmap and strategy for the sport as we set sail towards London in 2012."