Coach of the Month - Ilse Way
Ilse Way - Athletics Australia Level 3 Performance Coach (Bronze)
Ilse Way's journey in athletics is a story of passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Originally hailing from France, Ilse Way made the leap to Australia five years ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience in pole vaulting and a deep-rooted love for the event that has spanned over three decades.
Philippa Wight (left) with Ilse Way (right). Philippa was Ilse’s very first athlete in the squad when she took up Pole Vault at age 57. She is the 60+ NSW Record Holder (2.65m) and is currently ranked 2nd in the world in her age group. She claimed a bronze medal at the Masters World Championships in 2022 - proof that there is no age to stop vaulting as long as you are passionate about the event!
"I started athletics when I was 11 years old, mainly sprints as well as doing gymnastics at school. A few years later, when the pole vault event finally opened to women, my club was looking for girls to join the boys in the squad. I gave it a go and have never been able to stop since, more than 30 years ago!"
Throughout her storied athletics journey Ilse has been a member of three different clubs, each offering unique opportunities, challenges, and coaching styles. However, amidst the varying environments, one constant remained - a profound sense of belonging. "Belonging with your teammates who share the fun when you’re young and who endure the same tough training sessions when you’re older" she reflected. "The feel of those feet belonging in those spikes, of those hands on these poles."
Upon relocating to New South Wales, Ilse was struck by the low participation in the pole vault event locally. Determined to make a difference, she took matters into her own hands and established a squad aimed at making pole vaulting accessible to as many individuals as possible. "It's been a blast to see the enthusiasm of athletes, parents, and the whole athletics community for this endeavour."
As one of the nation’s fast developing pole vault coaches, Ilse’s mission is clear - to increase athletes' competence and self-confidence, regardless of their starting point. "I love having so many different athletes in my squad, coaching to their strengths and improving their weaknesses" she explains. "They each have their own athletic qualities and personalities that require me to find new ways to keep them on the best progression path. I feel the most pride and joy watching any of my athletes break a personal best after them working hard and consistently at training."
Daniel Photios (right) has been part of the squad for 2.5 years and his personal best is 4.10m. He jumped this height at the 2024 Oceania Championships to claim silver, missing out on gold on count back. He is the 2024 U18 Australian Champion and is looking ahead to a World Junior Championship goal in 2 years time.
Mya Kearns from Sydney University. Mya started pole vault 2 years ago and in 2024 and became U23 NSW Champion and Open Australian Championships finalist. Her personal best is 3.65m, which I expect will improve as soon as the summer season starts!
One of Ilse’s greatest accomplishments has been establishing a suitable training environment for talented vaulters and working with the Sydney Academy of Sport Narrabeen to develop the necessary infrastructure for Pole Vault in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Her efforts have been incredibly successful, as she has built up a huge training group and her squad now have access to world class equipment. “Today, I am the proud coach of 25 Pole Vaulters with a dedicated pole vault area at the Sydney Academy of Sport Narrabeen. My athletes range from 11 to 60 years of age with a variety of abilities. The younger ones are learning the basics, some Juniors and Opens are pursuing State, National, and Oceania medals, whilst the Masters continue to show everyone else that age is no reason to stop vaulting as long as you are passionate about it.”
Alberto Jordan a talented multi event athlete. He joined the squad in January 2023 and finished the season with a bronze medal in the Pole Vault at the Junior National Championships three months later. His personal best is 3.10m. Unfortunately, Alberto has been nursing a serious injury since October last year.
Sophie Harden from Manly Warringah Athletics. Her personal best is 2.80m, she recently narrowly missed out on the Oceania Championships as a reserve for the Australian U18 team. She is the current U18 NSW Champion and works really hard at training to get consistent progress in her jumping.
Naomi Gibson from Manly Warringah Athletics. Her personal best is 3.70m, which is the best female NSW performance last season. Naomi placed second at the 2023 Australian All Schools Championships and is looking forward to a pole vault focused season after she graduates later this year.
In her pursuit of excellence, Ilse acknowledges the invaluable support network that surrounds her. From dedicated parents and mentors to collaborative partnerships with athletic organizations, each contribution plays a vital role in realizing her vision. “I am very lucky to have an awesome support network around me, a number of the athletes' parents get quite involved helping moving equipment, volunteering at competitions, and carpooling the athletes around.
My mentor James Fitzpatrick guides me when I need to reflect on technical progress of my athletes.
The Sydney Academy of Sport Narrabeen works with me to provide the best possible venue for my squad.
The local little Athletics Clubs support their members discovering the event.
My Club Manly Warringah Athletics helps the squad through financing poles and enabling the Narrabeen Pole Vault meets.
ANSW communicates with me to allow me to complement the State competition calendar and ensure that NSW vaulters are appropriately prepared for the big events.
Most of all, my amazing husband supports my passion for pole vault coaching, which involves dedicating long hours on the track away from my young children.”
Looking to the future, Ilse remains steadfast in her commitment to growing the squad and fostering a love for pole vaulting among individuals of all ages. "New athletes are always welcome to come try the joyful event of Pole Vault as part of my squad!" she invites warmly. Training is at the Sydney Academy of Sport Narrabeen.
Find more information and book a training session at www.athletescorner.com.au.
As Ilse Way continues to expand the pole vaulting landscape in New South Wales, her unwavering passion and dedication serve as a beacon of inspiration for athletes and coaches alike, proving that with perseverance and determination, the sky's the limit.