Personal highlights...

MEET DEAN

Based in Liverpool and originally from Barnsley in South Yorkshire where in 2012 I watched fellow Yorkshiremen the Brownlee's cross the line for Olympic Gold and Bronze at London 2012 - I instantly knew that the sport of Triathlon was for me.

Fast forward to now and I compete regularly at the pointy end of age group triathlon while in the 40-44 AG with multiple triathlon victories, overall podiums and age group podiums across the range of distances with a constant desire to develop every new season - It doesn't get easier, we raise our own ceiling, we grow and we evolve with the sport.

As a husband and dad of two young girls all of my recent triathlon accomplishments have been achieved through finding that balance that we all strive for. Training, working, being there for a family and maintaining positive social connections can be difficult to juggle, as I always say if it was easy then everyone would be doing it. I am an example of someone who has been able to find that balance, and I understand what it takes to support you in your situation.

Initially coming from a team sport and having a successful and rewarding journey as a footballer representing my town and county, I further expanded my sporting connection by becoming a coach across a number of sports and then ultimately qualifying as PE teacher in my early twenties. I have now been a sports educator for almost 20 years currently working in an outstanding mainstream boys school in Liverpool.

In this role I have constantly grown and evolved. My passion and desire to get the best out of people comes from my relationship with sport and being a teacher and a coach. I manage and coach athletics, cross-country, football, basketball and cricket teams within the school and this has given me a strong outlook and skill set for actively developing people and facilitating their enjoyment and success in and out of the classroom environment. I also teach people to teach. Here we look to develop the individual from their starting point. This requires patience, high standards and the ability to communicate effectively to strive for success. Much like the relationship between coach and athlete in endurance sports.

As a coached athlete myself I fully appreciate what can be achieved when you find a positive relationship that works. Putting your faith in someone who has your best interests at heart and can build a programme of quality around you, your needs and your goals. It has to be BESPOKE and it has to work for YOU. It may be difficult - but in the end will be worth it and what you put in to it often reflects in what you get out of it...