Simon Brooker

Interview with Simon Brooker 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?

Simon was inspired to become an athletics coach through his personal journey of running and his experience as an adult educator and wanting to teach people and help them achieve their goals

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

Simons enjoyment from coaching comes from seeing others achieve their goals, things they thought they could never do and then they go and do it and smash their goal. Simon recalls a time when he worked with an athlete who was struggling with injury. Simon worked with him and made a small change to his running movement pattern and the change was instantaneous, he went from running in pain to running pain free. The look on his face and his smile was priceless.

Who and where are you coaching?

Simon is a runner who dabbles in triathlon as a sport from time to time, Simon is a qualified triathlon coach as well.

Simon coaches in Brisbane and travels all around town coaching and sharing his knowledge and experience.

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

Being flexible but consistent Simon thinks makes a great track and field athlete. You never know when the weather isn't the way you had planned it, your race doesn't go to plan etc. A great track and field athlete takes it in their stride and keeps going, taking the lesson from it as well.

What have your greatest successes been as a coach?

Simons greatest success as a coach was when he coached an athlete for her first Ironman triathlon, they worked through the plan and got her to race day. Her performance was so spectacular that she secured a podium spot in her first ever ironman, and a ticket to Kona, the fabled hallowed ground known to all triathletes.

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

Simon has worked with other coaches at his running club and other coaches he’s worked with over the years. Pat Nispel, Simons coach who helped him get through his first marathon. Shiloh Watts Simons current coach who helped him achieve new PB's this year and Paul from "the balanced runner" for all the guidance over the years in how to run efficiently. Also Simon couldn’t not mention the people who keep his body fit and functioning, Paul from Body Leadership and Sam from Foxcroft Integrative therapy.

What do you hope is next for your coaching journey?

Simon wants to continue doing what he’s doing and never stop learning. Simon is always looking to learn new skills that he can share with his athletes and work on his professional development.

Are you taking on new athletes?

Simon has some limited spots available currently, you can get in touch with Simon via his website www.simonbrookercoaching.com, via email sgbrooker@outlook.com or via mobile 0432 315 743.