Scott Simmons eyes LA 2028 Olympics after India’s distance runners make landmark strides at Asian Games 2026
American coach Scott Simmons credits consistent high-altitude training for India's breakthrough distance running success at the 2026 Asian Games.
American coach Scott Simmons is already looking toward the LA 2028 Olympics following a historic period of success for Indian distance runners at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The American specialist has been the architect behind the breakthrough performances of several Indian athletes, including Gulveer Singh, Seema Kumari, and Sawan Barwal. These athletes have been undergoing rigorous, high-altitude training at the Colorado Springs base in the USA to unlock their full potential on the international stage.
Gulveer Singh's Historic Medal Haul
Gulveer Singh emerged as one of the standout performers in Nagoya, demonstrating incredible stamina by racing four times over five days. His efforts resulted in a remarkable three-medal haul: silver in both the 1,500m and 10,000m, and a bronze in the 5,000m.
This performance follows his successful stint at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he secured silver in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m. Speaking on the success, Simmons noted that while the training plan was specifically centered around the 10,000m, the physiological benefits extended to shorter distances.
"The plan proved to be very successful," Simmons said. "We obviously prepared 100% for the 10,000m. And Gulveer gave his best challenge, ending up with the silver. We thought that was his best event, but it also prepared him for the 1500m as a byproduct."
This recent success marks a significant leap for Singh, who previously secured a bronze in the 10,000m at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.
Breaking the 44-Year Marathon Drought
The Asian Games also saw Sawan Barwal make history by ending India’s 44-year wait for an Asian Games marathon medal. Barwal clocked a time of 2:11:37 to secure the silver, setting a new national record in the process.
Despite Barwal being relatively new to the marathon distance, Simmons attributed his success to the elite training environment in Colorado Springs, where he trains alongside world-class marathoners. "He has been able to do training with athletes on that level," Simmons remarked, adding that further progression could lead to qualification for the Beijing World Championships.
The 'Sleeping Giant' Awakens
Simmons, who first observed Indian distance running in Bengaluru in early 2022, described the discipline as a "sleeping giant" that required time, consistent support, and structured training to thrive. He emphasized that the recent success is a result of continuity and the vital support from the Indian government, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
A decisive move by the AFI and the Union sports ministry was to send athletes like Gulveer for extended six-month stints in the United States. This allowed for uninterrupted training and competition against high-level international athletes.
Consistency is Key
Simmons used a construction metaphor to explain the necessity of long-term development in distance running:
"In the past, there was no consistency. There was always a late rush to get fitness for Asian Championships and Asian Games, whereas in distance running in particular, it's like building a house. You're always building the house. And when you're not building the house, then you're tearing down the house. And Gulveer's done such a good job of continuing one step after another after another."