Roderick Townsend - Track and Field Coach - Grand Canyon University Athletics

Roderick Townsend

Title:
Assistant Coach

Roderick D. Townsend, a proud alumnus of Boise State University, graduated in 2015 and has since built an impressive career as a coach, guiding athletes to remarkable achievements at both collegiate and professional levels. His journey began at Northern Arizona University (NAU), where he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of the school’s most accomplished athletes. Among his mentees were Deante Kemper, who set the school’s high jump record at 2.27 meters and became an Olympic Trials finalist; Shanice McPherson, a long jump standout with a personal best of 6.61 meters; and his wife, Olympian Tynita Townsend, who excelled in the high jump with a mark of 1.93 meters.

After his tenure at NAU, Townsend transitioned to the University of Louisville, where he continued his success by assisting in the development of three All-Americans in the jumping events. His passion for fostering talent brought him back to Arizona, where he spent two seasons at Glendale Community College. There, he coached jumps and hurdles, leading Eysias Banks to a school record of 51.05 in the 400-meter hurdles and mentoring freshman Leila Barmore to a triple jump mark of 12.94 meters.

At the professional level, Townsend has achieved unparalleled success as the coach of Ezra Frech. Under his guidance, Frech claimed two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, setting a world record in the T63 high jump and achieving a remarkable performance in the 100m dash.

As an athlete, Townsend’s accolades are equally extraordinary. A five-time Paralympic World Champion and five-time medalist at the Paralympic Games, his achievements include:

Paralympic Experience

3-time Paralympian; 5-time Paralympic medalist (4 gold, 1 silver)
- Paris 2024: Gold (High Jump), 4th (Long Jump)
- Tokyo 2020: Gold (High Jump), Silver (Long Jump), 11th (100m)
- Rio de Janeiro 2016: Gold (High Jump, Long Jump), 5th (100m)

World Championships Experience

Most recent (2024): Gold (High Jump), 5th (Long Jump)
Years of participation:
- High Jump: 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2024
- Long Jump: 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2024
- 100m: 2015, 2017, 2019
- 4 x 100m Relay: 2015
- Triple Jump: 2015
Medals: 10 (5 gold, 5 silver)
- Gold:
  - 2024 (High Jump)
  - 2023 (High Jump)
  - 2019 (High Jump)
  - 2017 (High Jump)
  - 2015 (High Jump)
- Silver:
  - 2023 (Long Jump)
  - 2019 (Long Jump)
  - 2015 (4 x 100m Relay, Long Jump, Triple Jump)

Townsend holds the high jump world record in the T46 class with a personal best of 2.21 meters and is actively preparing for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Beyond the track, Townsend’s influence extends to inspiring the next generation of athletes. Recognized as an ESPY finalist, he continues to demonstrate excellence in every facet of his career, leaving a legacy defined by dedication, achievement, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.