067: Mel Marshall on evolving coaching

This week’s guest is Mel Marshall. As a swimmer Mel made five Olympic finals at two Olympic games’ and she is one of the most decorated swimmers for England at the Commonwealth Games. You’re likely to know Mel as much for her reputation as an elite swimmer as the coach of perhaps the most dominant swimmer on the planet at the moment – the imperious Adam Peaty. Mel has coached Adam from his pre-teenage years taking him to the top of the Olympic podium in the 100m breaststroke at the Rio Olympics and having devastated the 100m breaststroke world record breaking it on five occasions. Mel shares her tensions about what the COVID-19  crisis has taught her and how she needs to balance her energy and frustrations and when she’ll switch her focus. She shares her philosophies of coaching and how these evolved over the 12 years she’s been out of the pool and guiding others. And in a fascinating section Mel lets us in on the 4 facets of what makes Adam Peaty great, how he’s always had these and how it’s up to her to channel his voracious athletic and competitor talents. Show notes Adapting to COVID-19 personally and professionally creating working environments, winning each round but struggling with the lack of buzz personally 12 weeks out of water, what is lost in terms of physicality and psychology? Innovating programmes Building momentum for 2021, accepting and moving training forward confidently Supporting confidence with short term goals Mel is ‘on’ but she’s not ‘on on’! Mel the coach and Mel the swimmer Sticking to the process and making the coaching athlete centred Mel’s reason for becoming a coach Adam Peaty and his abilities physically and psychologically Preparation minds and bodies The difference between club level and elite level sport Mel’s proudest achievement, her relationship with Adam Coaching the shit out of emotions Knowing athletes and what makes them tick Mel’s favourite day as an athlete…it may surprise you! Coaching into the unknown and the emotional toll it takes   Links You can follow Mel on twitter at https://twitter.com/massivemel   Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/ A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/ If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/ or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.