Meet the Team

Sylvia

I came to triathlon later in life and I want to encourage and motivate all ages and abilities. I am fascinated by the mental game needed to succeed at every level in the sport and the strategies for dealing with this. Qualifications

• BTF Level 2 Triathlon Coach
• First aid
• Safeguarding

Paddy

I did my first tri in 2002, Cockermouth Sprint Tri, at the age of 46. I finished, just, but got a real buzz for racing. I was persuaded to come and join in the swim sessions. It didn't take long and I was hooked. I have completed an Ironman and represented GB at European and World championships over a dozen times. I have mainly raced Standard Distance, but also the occasional middle distance and more recently aqua bike.  I am a Level 3 tri coach and Level 2 cycling coach. I coach at the Club and also individuals, including some work with visually impaired athletes.  I feel very proud when I see athletes from our Club doing their first race, doing any race, getting on the podium or guiding visually impaired athletes.  My aim for the Club is simple, for members have as much fun and participation as possible in all the combinations of swim, bike and run.  Complete, occasionally compete.  Qualifications

• BTF Level 3 coach
• First aid
• Safeguarding
• British Cycling Level two road and time trial coach
• Cycle leader
• Personal Trainer

Pete

I enjoy all the sports of triathlon and often do them as individual sports. I've undertaken many different types of challenges and particularly like doing these with friends. I am intrigued by the technical nature of swimming and love helping people break their stroke down to see where improvements can be made. Qualifications

• Level one Tri coach
• First aid
• Safeguarding

Steve

My coaching journey started in 2017 when I took my Level 1 coaching qualification. Initially a parent helper, with 3 daughters actively taking part in the sport, it was a logical step. My main focus of coaching is the juniors. The majority of our sessions centre on having fun whilst developing skills within a safe environment. I help out with senior swim sessions when time allows. The diverse challenges our members undertake continues to be a huge inspiration. I enjoy running in the Lake District with my Border Collie, Pip. Qualifications

• Level 1 British Triathlon coach
• First aid
• Safeguarding

Jill

In my youth I was a county champion and swam at national level. I went on to qualify as a swimming teacher in 1980. I taught swimming part time at a private swimming school while I went to college. They offered me a full time job which I did for nearly 22 years I specialised in teaching babies to swim but taught thousands of children and adults. I moved here 23 years ago and started my own swim school. Within the school I had classes for adults who wanted stroke improvement and some triathletes who wanted coaching. I retired in 2023 and joined Kendal tri club to restart some swimming for myself but was soon involved in helping on the poolside. Something that is obviously in my blood which I throughly enjoy. Qualifications

• BTF Level one
• Advanced swimming teacher
• Safeguarding

Sarah

I came to Kendal Triathlon Club in 2018. I'd taken part in a sprint triathlon in 2010 where I lived before in the Scottish Borders and was completely clueless! It took until 2020 before I did another, which was during the first covid year so it was a self styled solo affair, and then in 2021 I did another 'proper' one, the 'Day in the Lakes' which I loved and hated in equal measures. I wouldn't say that in any way that I'm hooked on these events or competition, but I like the motivation to train for them, and the fitness that means I can go out and do the things I love in the outdoors (not all swim, bike run, but mostly). Crucial to me is inclusive and friendly nature of this Club. In 2023 I became a L1 coach. I am mainly involved in coaching on poolside and I especially enjoy working with the swimmers in lanes 1 and 2 who are so hungry for input to help improve their swimming. Qualifications

• BTF Level one coach
• First aid
• Safeguarding

Julz

I joined the Kendal Tri Club coaching team in 2025, coming from an open water swimming background. I'm keen to support swimmers and triathletes at all levels to achieve their best, and to open up the sport of triathlon to people from all backgrounds - not just those that have always been 'sporty'.

Qualifications:

• BTF Foundation Tri Coach
• STA Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coach
• Level 3 Outdoor First Aid
• Safeguarding
• Welfare Officer (previous role)