For UK Coaching Week 2024, we spoke to our Coach of the year 2023 winner Richard Barry about his coaching journey including some top tips about triathlon.
Richard is a coach at Newport Under 18’s Triathlon (NUTS). Here’s his story…
Richard's journey into triathlon commenced from a foundation of athletic activity, with a primary focus on running during his early years. Approximately a decade ago, his curiosity about triathlon was piqued, however it began at the sidelines as an observer and supporter.
During this period of spectating and supporting triathletes, Richard found himself drawn deeper into the intricacies of the sport. Delving into each discipline with a keen eye for detail, he immersed himself in swimming, cycling, and running, both individually and collectively as integral components of the triathlon experience.
In 2013, Richard had major open heart surgery followed by a stroke in 2019. He struggled with his fitness and mental health for many years after this. After a lot of setbacks, Richard ran the Newport Half Marathon in 2:08 minutes, 18 months after his surgery!
Richard's venture into coaching unfolded with Newport Under 18's Triathlon (NUTS) being set up in April 2019. Richard’s son, Isaac, joined the club. Initially assuming a supportive role from the sidelines, Richard gradually transitioned into a more active role within the club.
Beginning as a parent helper, Richard's involvement deepened as he found himself increasingly drawn to the coaching aspect of the club. Before long, he seamlessly transitioned into a regular coach on the coaching team, leveraging his passion for the sport to nurture the next generation of triathletes at NUTS.
Richard is an active member of Newport and East Wales Triathlon (NEWTS) and he did his first triathlon in 2022 which was the Nut Cracker. By being a part of NEWTs and becoming a NUT’s coach, it has really helped with both Richard’s physical and mental health.
Richard completed his Level 1 British Triathlon coaching qualification in 2021 and he is now enrolled on a course working towards his Group Coach qualification which he will hopefully complete soon!
Richard recently won our Coach of the year award for 2023 as part of our Welsh Triathlon Workforce Awards. Other members of the club recognised Richard’s dedication to coaching the young athletes. They expressed how much they appreciate Richard’s support, his patience and his kindness when they hit a plateau or have a difficult session. As well as supporting the athletes, Richard reflects on training with the other coaches and is eager to work together to improve. Congratulations Richard!
What do you enjoy most about coaching under 18 athletes?
Richard expresses how much he loves to be a part of the junior coaching team.
“I get a lot of satisfaction seeing the youngsters growing as individuals and athletes, and most of all having fun.”
“I’m always surprised how much enthusiasm and commitment to hard work the young athletes have, and their general attitude towards triathlon as a whole.”
In your experience what are the most common challenges faced by youth athletes, and how do you address them as a coach?
Richard found that one issue that some junior athletes face is going through periods of low confidence which meant that they are reluctant to enter competitions.
“I encouraged these athletes to focus on the taking part and fun element instead of putting themselves under the pressure of achieving specific times or positions in events.”
He found that this had a positive effect not only on the individuals but throughout the club too.
Another issue that he found amongst the club was that some of the younger athletes who want to join NUTs didn’t quite reach the required swimming standard for the club.
“I took it upon myself to take a small group of swimmers and work with them each week to develop their technique and confidence to a level where they could join the club on a regular basis. This began by swimmers sometimes only doing half a session to build their strength up. This has led me to studying for a Level 1 Swim Wales coaching qualification.”
What have been some of your proudest coaching moments?
“Some of my proudest coaching moments have come from nurturing the junior athletes from a very young age to seeing them compete firstly at junior level, and now moving onto adult competitions.”
“A few of the young athletes even completed the junior Long Course weekend at Tenby last year. The looks of achievement on their faces was priceless!”
Richard expresses that he is proud to be part of an ever growing inclusive club which gives the young athletes so many different opportunities to take part in the amazing sport of triathlon.
“I think this is especially important in times when more and more junior clubs are experiencing difficulties.”
What would you say to anyone else thinking about getting involved in coaching?
“If you’re thinking about it – do it!! Whilst it can be difficult at times trying to juggle other things going on in your life, it is a truly rewarding role on so many levels.”
