The Swindon Triathlon Club coaching team plays a crucial role in the success and development of the club's members. They provide valuable guidance and expertise to athletes of all levels, from beginners to experienced triathletes. The coaching team is responsible for designing and delivering training programs that help athletes improve their fitness, technique, and overall performance in triathlon events. Additionally, they offer support and motivation to help athletes overcome challenges and achieve their goals. The coaching team's commitment to excellence and their passion for the sport are inspiring and help foster a strong sense of community within the club. Without the Swindon Triathlon Club coaching team, the club would not be able to provide the level of support and training that is necessary for its members to achieve their full potential.

Meet the team....

Stuart Foster

Head Coach

My first experience of an endurance sport was as a teenager, with the sport of rowing. I continued rowing through my university years, racing the annual cycle of local regattas, Henley Royal Regatta and the National Champs. Towards the end of university, I began to help out with the coaching team, and experienced the great feeling that comes from helping others achieve their sporting goals.

For several years I largely dropped out of competitive sport, instead enjoying running and mountain biking just for the fun of it. Then, after moving to Swindon, I heard about the sport of triathlon through some friends. At that time I couldn't run or cycle due to injury, so I thought I'd learn to swim. And what better motivation than a race... so my first triathlon was entered.

After that first race I was hooked. I've now raced at Sprint, Middle and Long distance (never, though, Olympic distance... I must tick that box one day!), and have won my age group at Sprint and Middle distance races, as well as a sprint Duathlon race.

Triathlon coaching is becoming a big passion of mine. I believe the key to success in triathlon is consistency, and it follows that sessions must therefore be fun to keep athletes coming back for more.

In addition to coaching with Swindon Tri club, I also help out coaching my daughter at BAD Tri in Bristol, and coach swim sessions for Swindon Dolphins and South West Swim. I am a BTF Level 2 Triathlon Coach and a Swim England Level 2 Swim Coach.

Justin Robbins

British Triathlon Level 3 Coach

Justin is a British Triathlon level 3 coach and GB age group triathlete. Justin took part in his first triathlon in 1996 and started coaching in 2013. He has completed five Ironman distance races with a 9:45 PB and is an age group winner at Ireland 70.3 and a 70.3 world championship competitor.

His coaching philosophy and approach is to equip athletes to enable them to make sensible decisions about their training. He encourages ‘smart’ training for athletes with busy lives rather than clocking up ‘junk’ miles.

For more about Justin visit www.weemancoaching.com for triathlon coaching & advice.

Jo Montgomery

Monday and Thursday Swim Sessions

Jo first fell in love with swimming when as a 4 year old she learnt to swim at Thamesdown Swimming Club, now known as Tigersharks.

Her enthusiasm for, and her commitment to, the sport developed and grew through her teenage years. She enjoyed a lot of success competing at County, District and National level. During that time she learnt from swimming under some great Coaches at the club including David Lyles who went on to become the National Coach of China. He is now in the same role in New Zealand.

The sport also gave her some great opportunities to travel and when she was eighteen she spent a year in California swimming with the world famous Santa Clara Club. The following year for three months she coached age groupers at Fort Lauderdale Swim School in Florida. Saturday’s always included a one mile swim up the beach in the Atlantic with her swimming and trying to control and ensure the safety of sixteen young swimmers.

On returning to the UK she fulfilled the same role coaching age groupers back at Tigersharks.

She says one of the many benefits of a lifelong involvement in the sport has been that she has made some fantastic lifelong friendships along the way.

In addition to coaching at the Tri Club session and passing on her extensive knowledge and experience of swimming, she also has a Swimming Academy teaching children from beginners to entry into club level swimming. Her enthusiasm and energy is motivational with swimmers from 5 to 50 years old! She no longer swims herself other than with her children, but enjoys playing netball at a competitive level, plus running and cycling when she gets the time from her two girls.

Holly Willis

British Triathlon Level 1 Coach

I jumped straight into the Triathlon deep end and entered Ironman Wales in 2014. I thought I would do triathlon for a year, tick off an Ironman and move on – how wrong I was! I have since completed 5 Ironman races and countless 70.3’s, qualified for Kona and become hooked on the sport.

When I first moved to Swindon in 2013 I didn’t know anyone, but through joining the club I quickly gained a huge group of new friends and training partners. The group sessions are great motivators, and the coaches provide such a great level of support, knowledge and encouragement – inspiring me to complete my Level 1 coaching qualification in 2021!

Paul Cox

Giles Russell

Giles racing at Roth in 2023

Kurt Clarence

Racing the local 113

I have been with the club for a few years now and I have over the years amassed a wide ranging portfolio within the coaching section from a level 2 triathlon coach to FA level 2 football coach.

I graduated with honours from Lincoln university in sports coaching, which has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge in the coaching world.

When it comes to triathlon, I have extensive experience, including completing the challenging Ironman Wales and participating in various other events. These experiences have not only tested my physical endurance but have also strengthened my mental resilience.

In addition to my personal achievements as an athlete, I have a history of coaching within the Lincoln City FC youth set up. Working with young talents and helping them develop their skills has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me.

Furthermore, I have also worked with individuals with disabilities, tailoring training programs to meet their specific needs and abilities. It's a privilege to witness their determination and progress as they overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

As a coach, my approach is rooted in understanding the unique needs of each individual and creating a supportive environment for growth. I believe in fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential.

I am excited to continue my journey as a coach and a member of the committee and I will see you at one of our great sessions!