"It's never too late to pivot your career"

For IWD 2024, I had the privilege of interviewing Emma Springham , a trailblazer in the world of triathlon coaching. Emma’s journey began as a mentor on the Women’s Performance Coaching programme in 2021, where she helped empower a new generation of women coaches. Today, she is a full-time Performance Coach, specializing in the Paratriathlon pathway.

Emma’s role is unique and inspiring. She supports a diverse range of athletes, from those dipping their toes into the world of triathlon for the first time, to seasoned competitors striving for World and Paralympic medals. I hope delving into Emma’s experiences, insights, and her passion for coaching will help inspire more women to take the leap and enter the awesome world of triathlon.

Become a Coach – British Triathlon

Why did you want to be a coach in triathlon?

I decided to get into triathlon coaching over 13 years ago when my two daughters were desperate to try the sport having seen how much fun I was having and wanted to give it a go. There were very few triathlon clubs that catered for children or the family dynamic so a friend of mine and I decided to set up a family friendly club so parents and children could train at the same time. I went straight into the Level 2 coaching role and haven’t looked back. 

How did the mentoring programme help you? 

It was amazing to be a mentor on the programme and share my love for the sport and coaching history alongside helping to build up a fabulous group of women coaches to be able to achieve their own goals in triathlon. As a mentor I also learned loads from the other mentors and equally the mentees- it’s key to never stop learning! Having a community of practice now that can support each other is key.  

What have been some of the barriers you have faced in your coaching journey?

In my coaching journey, I’ve faced few but challenging barriers. Imposter syndrome occasionally kicked in, but I had amazing friends and coaches championing me. The main struggle was juggling home and coaching life. My coaching career grew with my family, and I now my girls are grown up, I can realize my dream of coaching within the Performance Pathway. I transitioned from media sales and owning a Brazilian Soccer Franchise to triathlon coaching – you are never too old to pivot your career! I learned from the grassroots up and prioritized being the best coach and family person over my own training which means I have had to step back from racing to be a cheerleader.

Why do you think more women aren’t jumping into triathlon coaching?

Honestly I think it comes to two main reasons :

1. Imposter syndrome. Women on the whole feel that they must be able to do the role 100% even before they have taken the leap. I combated this as I remember when I applied for my first paid role for British triathlon as a regional "Skills School Coach". I was sat at the breakfast bar, my two girls were playing in the family room. They were both attending school by now and I knew I had a bit more free time on my hands. I didn’t even think about asking anyone what they thought - it was one of those mega impulsive moments! The role was part time and I decided "why not - what have a I got to loose!"I’d been coaching for a few years by that point and wanted to develop some more however I never imagined I would be lucky enough to get the role. I wasn’t convinced I had all the skills needed but hey, the rest is history!
2. The ‘Old boys club’ mentality. Following from the above I was also really keen to show my girls – who at the time were coached by males in a lot of the sports they were into (swimming, cycling, tri, hockey, running) - that girls can do it to! With so few female coaches in the sport it can be seen as an old boy’s club – so the only way to change that myth is to show them and all the future women coaches that it can be done, and you can have an amazing career along the way. This journey isn’t without challenges, but effective communication and development are key. Strong women in sport communities & role models around you also help.   

Is there anything unique about triathlon coaching which you think would help encourage more women to get stuck in? 

For me now working in the Para world having come from mainly junior coaching, the creativity in my role is amazing- it’s what I thrive on - seeing a problem and working to find a way to help that person develop on the journey to be their best. But most importantly having fun along the way. To be honest I don’t consider what I do to be a job - I’ve been in the corporate world for many years and that was a job- but triathlon coaching is about learning every day, challenging myself but also my athletes and seeing them along the journey over years to achieve their goals, no matter how big or small. 

What is the one resource you would encourage those looking into coaching to use or explore? 

There is not one resource as such, but a few things to remember:

📚Learning from others: Make sure you keep remembering to learn and not just from other tri coaches - speak to coaches in other sports and develop your own way.

💪Be true to your own style: Also be true to who you are by discovering what works for you rather than what others tell you works.

💡Make mistakes: This is awesome but only if you own them, are honest with yourself and your athletes and ensuring you learn from them.  

🏘️Build a village around you: Coaches don’t know everything but knowing someone who does know that area you’re not as confident in is key.

Thank you Emma for sharing your story! #InspireInclusion #IWD2024

If Emma has inspired you to want to explore being a coach, take the first step and read more here.