Tony graduated from the National
Canadian Certification Program as a Level 1 triathlon coach and is recognized by Triathlon Canada as a Triathlon Competition
Coach. He has received certification from the
Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists as a certified fitness consultant. He is also a race director and is certified
by the Alberta Triathlon Association as a Level II triathlon official. Tony is also a certified personal fitness trainer. He has a sound base of knowledge in human anatomy,
exercise physiology and biomechanics and is certified by the AFLCA as a strength and conditioning specialist. His education and many coaching certifications are complimented
by over 20 years experience as one of Canada's top age group triathletes. Tony has accumulated over 120 podium finishes
at local, national and international triathlons. Podium results include over 50 triathlon overall victories. Finishes
include both the Canadian and Hawaiian Ironmans. He is also a 3 time member of Canada's National Age Group Team
competing in Australia, Switzerland and most recently at the World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. He remains a very
strong competitor with numerous top place finishes at local triathlons in 2009. He combines his training and racing experience with his knowledge
as a certified NCCP competition coach and personal fitness trainer to bring you the biggest and best Triathlon Club in
Calgary.
Jill Kirker - Assistant
Coach
Greetings, to all the athletes in the UCTC tri club. I am very excited to
join Tony, Graham and the other assistant coaches with this great club. I am looking forward to meeting all the athletes and
working with them through the training program.
I am in
the process of completing the National Coaching Certification Program for Triathlon - Introduction to Competition. I had previously
worked as a geologist, a mother, an environmental specialist and I am now 'transitioning' into triathlon coach. Unlike
many athletes, I was not involved in sport as a child. Indeed, I learned to swim in a ‘terrified’ adult course
at the UofC pool. I did my first triathlon in my 40’s and like most athletes, moved up from the sprint distance to the
Ironman distance. I have progressed from being the slowest in the pool and on the bike to being a ‘respectable’
age grouper and eventually earning a spot on the Triathlon Canada team competing in the ITU World Championships in Madiera
Portugal (2004). I have completed IM Canada and this year tackled IM Coeur d'Alene. I have had an interesting triathlon
journey and through the years have trained both on my own and with groups and with various coaches in the three disciplines.
Now, as an experienced age-grouper, I am looking to help others along their journey to achieve their fitness and triathlon
goals.
In a personal growth program a few years back, I
was asked to write out all the roles that I have in life. My list included mother, daughter, wife, employee, volunteer, etc.
But I had an epiphany that day. I recall writing down and acknowledging for the first time "I am an athlete". This
was big news for me, a 40 year old gal who had never participated in organized sport or was never part of a sports team. But
that realization really paid off. With this new attitude of being an athlete, I began to see my training as an important part
of my day, not simply ‘time-out’ from the real world. I felt committed and connected to my sport, and I felt huge
jump in my self-esteem. "I am an athlete". Pretty exciting stuff. Now, as I move into the field of coaching I look
forward to helping others see themselves as athletes and to encourage their personal and athletic growth.
See you on deck, Jill.
If you're looking for a little extra help with your overall training
plan in conjunction with the UCTC practices, talk to coach Jill in the shallow end. As a National Coaching Certification
Program Triathlon Coach - In Training, she can help you consider your objectives and plan your season. Jill is also able to
integrate the UCTC group training into a more structured plan geared towards your individual goals and abilities.
Jill is also able to accommodate non UCTC members.
Contact Jill at chrisandjill@shaw.ca or chat with Jill on deck before or after swim training.
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