Personal History

My background has always been in athletics. At primary school I did projects on my hero’s, Seb Coe and Steve Ovett. I remember watching them running for gold, excelling in their chosen discipline. Inspiration for me comes from endeavour, courage and determination. As a 9 year old I was lucky to be able to attend a local running club, Ryde Harriers on the Isle of Wight , where I grew up.

As I trained I became fascinated with the way the body responds to training, how with effort you can develop and become something more. During my life I have always been involved in training both as coach and as an athlete.

As an athlete I competed for my county, several clubs and also for my University, Loughborough University of Technology. I was a member of the BUSF cross county winning team in 1992 and have also won a 800m silver medal for the IOW in the Island Games.

Throughout my life I have always attached the values of determination, courage and endeavour that I learnt from running, to everything I do and it has proven to be of invaluable help.

I have a degree in sports science as well as YMCA, BAWLA, Sports Massage, Fitness testing and BAF coaching awards. I also have a qualification in exercise referral through the Gayton group as well as sports psychology.

I have been a personal trainer, a fitness instructor, an athletics coach and now am a Leisure Centre Manager. In this environment I have interacted with many types of people and seen how individuals need different approaches to help them succeed.

However I cannot underestimate how important experience is and how this allied to knowledge gives you the edge, enables you to be effective beyond theory. I have personally experienced many, many types of training. I have intimate memories that enable me to understand just what my athletes are feeling when they are training to achieve their aims.

 I also think that as an athlete I have learnt what it takes to be a winner and also how to lose. In essence this always makes you stronger, gives you the strength to go forward and achieve. I have also suffered injuries, as well as other frustrations in athletics, which enables me to empathise with other athletes, thus allowing maximum facilitation of my capabilities.