19 those who care . Not just those who care about winning medals , or doing their job , but the ones that care about the person who is out there doing the hard work .
“ Knowing more about your athletes ; their favourite meal , their family set up and maybe even their Netflix go-to can seem irrelevant to some . But whilst it might not make them paddle faster or lift heavier weights , it makes them a happier , fully powered up athlete - and that makes a successful athlete .
“ Many people would challenge me and say this isn ’ t the right approach , however because I prove time and time again that I ’ m always there , my athletes understand when I need ‘ me time ’ or to switch off .
“ My strongest belief is that by letting athletes understand me as a coach , I am better able to understand them . The general life conversations remind them that we are all humans . More than just a stop watch or a megaphone .”
“ As a coach the ability to support through good , bad , fast , slow , strong and weak is when you are truly a part of an athlete ’ s support network . The ‘ power up ’ skills required to bring an athlete up when they ’ ve been down should never be described as ‘ soft ’.
“... I prove time and time again that I ’ m always there , my athletes understand when I need ‘ me time ’ or to switch off .”
“ Coaching this way can be mentally draining , so it ’ s important to be aware of their needs to help limit the pressure on you as a coach . Knowing yourself allows you to know what you do and don ’ t have to offer , making sure you don ’ t give all your power away .
Canoe Focus Early Spring 2021