Young BC Triathletes on track for success at this years Summer Games For 5 days of this years spring break I had an amazing opportunity to meet, coach, laugh learn and train with some of this provinces coolest and most talented junior Triathletes. 12 aspiring young athletes from all over the province (Mainland to the Okanogan) took part in the Team X Triathlon BC Summer Games Development Camp. Travel grants generously distributed by Triathlon BC helped offset the expenses for some out of towners. The Camp was aimed at preparing athletes aged 14 and 15 for BC Summer Games qualifying races and the Games themselves. The camp welcomed a few keen athletes that were slightly too young to be eligible for the games, but what they lacked in age they certainly didn’t lack in enthusiasm or talent. Over the five days of the camp, athletes swam everyday. Mark E. Fellner, one of Canada’s renound National Level swim coaches offered a session videoing everyones stoke, under water and above. The video, which each athlete received a copy of, allowed for analysis and correction of their stroke. Other swim sessions offered open water swimming preparation. Juniors swam around floats in the water simulating an open water race condition. The camp also had the luxury of the use of the Velodrome at Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation. The Track was built for the 1996 Commonwealth Games, and Gave campers an opportunity to learn about and refine their riding positions, cycling speed and offerd a safe venue to practice transitions. Campers learned about pedalling efficiency from Canada’s National Cycling Coach Houshang Amiri. Campers were joined by BC’s great Kristine and Timmy Chambers, a fantastic coach, educator, motivator, and athlete for a session on “The Magic Run formula” Campers learned about Nutrition, mental Training, and race preparation. There were also fortunate to have Physiotherapist, Andrew Burk give a presentation on core strength, flexibility and training guidelines for younger athletes. Lunch was provided on each of the days of the camp, and the camp concluded with a brunch at White Spot. There was a social night where all the campers viewed the Imax on the Tour de France. The organization and preparation for the camp seemed endless. The camp for me was a corner stone to my coaching career. Watching the friendships develope, the young minds expand, the skills improve and the interested in triathlon increase was single handedly the most rewarding thing I have done in my years as a coach. I need to express my sincere appreciation to all involved. My tremdously supportive girlfriend /camp chef/assistant coach / counsellor, my two loving Parents, all the guest coaches involved, Triathlon BC, the staff at Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation, Saunder Subaru, and Frontrunners. I am extremely excited about the camp next year.