Wes Gibson

Interview with Wes Gibson from October 2023

By Bianca Ratje

What inspired you to become an athletics coach and how has your personal journey in the sport shaped your coaching style and philosophy?

Wes fell into coaching athletics through re-finding his passion in running around 10 years ago. He has actively coaches since his teen years and has truly found his place as a coach for those in his community.

Coaching is Wes’s passion, it is a part of him that drives his purpose when he thinks of running. He takes great pleasure in empowering his athletes to set, achieve and succeed in their journey’s goals. Wes enjoys the connection coaching gives with the wider running community and whether it is face to face at a session, building a program online or at an event, he relishes in each and every moment.

Wes coaches athletes in a range of disciplines from field events, all track distance and onto the road and trails in a range of running events. Wes’s approach allows his to work with younger and older athletes of all abilities and goals. Wes enjoys the process of teaching and development and aim to have his athletes learn, reflect and grow from their experiences.

Wes is also a teacher and this has given him the chance to work within school based athletics and cross country structures as an official, manager and coach. Wes see this as an important process in enhancing the pathway for young athletes to continue with their individual journey in athletics.

What brings you the most enjoyment or satisfaction out of athletics coaching?

Wes finds satisfaction in the process, the connection and the over growth of both his athletes and himself as a coach. Wes enjoys the challenge of solving problems, setting targets and assisting others work towards achieving in their goals.

Wes has had many highlights across all areas, from medals at masters in throwing, to wins on the track at state, high up in the European mountains with a top 10 finish at UTMB to high levels of participation in community events like Parkrun and Little Athletics.

Wes sees his most special moment as having his sons wanting to follow him as coaches and relish the chance to coach with them in my junior sessions.

Who and where are you coaching?

Bathurst, NSW.

Wes coaches under RUN RIOT and this community is broad; he has both junior and senior athletes involved in track and field, cross country, road running and trail running. These athletes have a range of goals from participation through to high performance.

You'll find Wes out on Morse Park with the group on most afternoons each week and on occasion hosting a RUN RIOT Adventure somewhere awesome.

In your experience what makes a great track and field athlete? What are some common traits you have observed in your athletes?

Self awareness, consistency, constructive reflection, commitment, good listener and process focused.

Athletes need to enjoy, appreciate and understand the process and journey to their goals as this is often the biggest part of their athletic journey.

The biggest asset an athlete can have is a desire for self improvement, this allows them to always grow throughout their journey in the sport.

What have your greatest successes been as a coach?

“Starting RUN RIOT and finding my place within the community”. This has been an evolution and dynamic process faced with many challenges.

Wes enjoys the autonomy of being able to make decisions that he feels are best for the clients and athletes he coaches as well as the challenge presented in getting the most out of the training and competing his athletes participate in. Wes enjoys having a lasting and meaningful impact of their journey.

Do you work with any other coaches or have a support network?

“My sons Charley (15) and Beau (12), have been involved in my KIDS FUNdamental group as coaches for the last 2 years”.

Wes has enjoyed seeing them grow and develop in this role and is looking forward to helping them work through the coaching accreditation process and developing themselves as great coaches.

What do you hope is next for your coaching journey?

Wes is hoping to increase his own accreditation based on his experience and knowledge as a coach, expanding upon his recognised qualifications and learning and using this experience in an impactful way in his coaching.

Wes would like to enhance and grow the notion of athletics being a foundation for both sport and health in the community and would like to work with as many athletes as possible in what ever way he can.

Are you taking on new athletes?

Wes is currently open to new clients in all squads, junior and senior and by enquiry for online coaching or individual program development.

The majority of his coaching occurs in the Central West but he can train elsewhere as required.

Details for Wes’s coaching can be found at;

Website - https://www.runriotaus.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/runriotAUS

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/runriot_aus/

Email - runriotaus@hotmail.com