COACH MILES
Swimming has always been an integral part of my life, as I mastered the skill of swimming unaided by the age of 3. My brother and I delved
into club swimming from a young age, where our competitive spirits thrived. Throughout my journey, I participated in various school swimming galas, club competitions, and county-level championships. Notably, I qualified for the IAPS for four consecutive years, with my standout achievement being a 4th place finish nationally in the Butterfly event.
However, at the age of 16, my life took a drastic turn when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. This diagnosis marked a pivotal moment, leading to a year-long journey of treatment, followed by a process of long-term recovery and ongoing rehabilitation. As I navigated through this challenging period, I was compelled to reassess my future plans and expectations, eventually finding solace and purpose in pursuing a career as a Level 2 SEQ swimming coach, which I attained in 2022.
My affinity for working with young people stems not only
from my professional training but also from my personal experiences. I
understand first-hand the profound impact a dedicated and compassionate swimming teacher can have on their students. Teaching swimming brings me immense satisfaction, especially when I witness the transformation of a student’s mindset from ‘I cannot’ to ‘I can’. Bringing joy to my swimmers’ faces is a constant source of motivation. I strive to embody the principle of “love what you do and never work a day in your life,” ensuring that my enthusiasm for the sport is passed on to my students.
Establishing a personal connection with each student is
paramount to my teaching approach. Therefore, I prefer conducting small
classes, allowing me to dedicate my full attention to maximizing each session’s effectiveness for every student. While I maintain a firm demeanour, I also prioritise creating a fun and constructive learning environment, empowering my students to be confident, competent, and committed in their swimming endeavours.