Dr. Robert Chapman joined USA Track & Field in 2010 after a career in exercise science, coaching and higher education.
Along with his role at USATF, Chapman is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University, where his work focuses on human performance and exercise science. He also served as the men's head cross country coach at IU from 1998 through 2007.
Chapman earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1991 before completing a master's degree in 1992 and a Ph.D. in 1996 at Indiana University.
His academic and coaching background has focused on the relationship between scientific research and athletic performance. His work has included research and practical application in areas related to training, exercise physiology and high-performance sport.
At USATF, Chapman serves as Chief of Sport Performance, working with the organization's high-performance programs and supporting the development and preparation of American athletes and coaches. His responsibilities include helping guide the organization's approach to athlete performance and providing scientific and performance expertise to Team USATF.
Chapman is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.
A native of Boulder City, Nevada, Chapman has spent much of his professional career working with athletes and coaches at the collegiate, national and international levels. His combination of coaching experience, academic training and work in exercise science has informed his approach to high-performance sport and athlete development.