Triathletes' academy
LAST SUNDAY saw the launch of the National Junior Academy in Greystones, Co Wicklow. The program aims to coach young triathletes up to the world class standard required to make the national junior squad.
Along with the development of young athletes it gives an opportunity to coaches embarking on Triathlon Ireland coaching courses to work with some of the most talented athletes in the country and develop their own coaching skills.
Wicklow is well represented in Triathlon with local club Wicklow Tri having over 150 members and excelling on a national stage. Wicklow also has four coaches involved in this new national academy venture.
Head coach Eamonn Tilley is keen to see the academy succeed both in terms of the young athletes but also for the coaches. Eamonn will be supported by academy team manager Conor Macgowan, who has worked tirelessly to promote triathlon to youngsters and is also heavily involved in the development of a junior section within Wicklow Triathlon Club.
Adam Kelly of Zest Fitness is working towards his level 2 triathlon coaching qualification and also brings vast experience to the academy set up. Adam has years of triathlon experience representing Ireland in international age group competition along with coaching all levels in his training facility in Zest Fitness.
The final Wicklow addition to the coaching panel is experienced cyclist John Darcy, who advised the young athletes on the finer details of cycling such as riding in a group, bike handling skills and the type of training required to make it as a professional triathlete.
For more information go to www.triathlonireland.com.
