We have a team of coaches who all share a love for endurance sports. Coming from various backgrounds and experience in triathlon, they all have their own approach to coaching but follow the same mission; to welcome and encourage all abilities, help you achieve your goals as best they can and support you in your triathlon journey.
You can find out a little more about them here or by simply having a chat with them at sessions!
Gareth David
Head Coach
Level 2 Triathlon Coach and trained since 2012, also GBR Age Group Triathlete, two-time Ironman and very enthusiastic about all three sports!
Chris Ashford
Level 2 Coach
Triathlon Coach and (occasional) triathlete since 2011. I have represented GB as an Age Group triathlete, as well as England on the Masters Marathon squad. Sub 09:30 Ironman and sub 2:30 marathoner back in the day…
Nikki Symons
Level 2 Coach
I’ve been a L2 swimming and running coach for adults and children since 2011 and will be completing my L2 Triathlon qualification in 2024. I was previously the Head Running Coach for Nike, coaching and pacing large groups in Qatar and Dubai for three years.
Between 2014-2017 I was a Race Director for DC 10k, which collaborated with the IAU 50km Ultra Running Championships, using their impressive race infrastructure and world class facilities. I also worked on other projects including the FINA World Swimming Championships.
My running accolades include winning a series of track 400m, 3000m, Road 5km, Female Team 21km, and the 15km Yorkshire Warrior in 2019. I ran my first (and most likely last) 90km Ultra in the desert and took female third place.
I take an easier approach to training these days but get a lot of satisfaction from helping others realise and reach their full potential.
Andy Brittain
Level 2 Coach
I came from a masters swimming background and then moved to the dark side when I discovered a brilliant local triathlon club in Holland in 2005. I was a very early member of the club in 2011 and have coached since 2012 doing a range of sessions.
I’ve mostly focussed on sprint and standard distances and was a GB Age Group triathlete in 2016 and also competed in the English Championships. As swim was my strongest element and cycling relatively weakest (!), I also tried aquathlon for fun and was English Champion in 2016, then European silver medalist in 2017 which was my final competition. I have continued coaching as I enjoy offering support and encouragement to anyone that is trying to improve.
I continue to train but since stopping competition, my activities are no less ambitious but a little more leisurely and mostly with my wife with many multi-day long distance adventures including cycling and walking around the world. What I learned from triathlon was how important it is to have clear goals and plans and with proper preparation almost anything is possible!
James Flack
Level 1 Coach
I have been a Level 1 Coach for about 8 years now, and a member of the club almost since the beginning. Prior to that I was a Masters swimmer with several podium finishes at national level.
I have completed about 100 triathlons now and won my age group in many events over the years, from middle distance down to sprint events, but never completed a full distance event.. that is never happening!
My ambitions in coaching are to give something back to a club which is an important part of my life and see our members realise their talent.
Amanda O’Leary
Level 1 Coach
I have been a Level 1 triathlon coach since 2019. Represented England Age Group Masters (50 to 54) at half marathon. Over the years have also competed in Olympic distance triathlons, aquathlons and duathlons. Running is my main sport, anything from 5k to marathon although it takes me a lot longer to warm up these days!
Jon Rhodes-James
Level 1 Coach
Having played rugby for 25 years, I joined the club when it was created as I have always enjoyed running and cycling and wanted to improve my swimming and possibly even enjoy it.
I have completed local running events and triathlons from sprint to long distance.
Nacho Veloso
Level 1 Coach
Active triathlete since 2010, from a very general sporting background: super keen jack of all trades, master of none. I enjoy competing in triathlon and the tri community vibe, but as much as anything I use this as a way to stay fit for what comes my way, be it triathlon, single discipline events, adventures and my obsession with snow sports.
Richard Church
Level 1 Coach
Richard Church, fat, middle aged level 1 coach. Represented GB age group for aquathlon for a few years, trying desperately to relive that “golden age” and keep up with the younger club members on the bike. Body is now knackered so it’s aquabike all the way.
Anthony Hanaphy
Foundation Coach
Current active member of the club since 2022. I have been taking part in triathlons since 2017 and now mainly focus on aquabiking and TT (time trial) cycling.