COACHES
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Head coach
FRANCES PALMER
Hi, I'm Frances ,
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I have competed in triathlon for the past 16 years, starting as a competitive junior athlete with the South West Junior Academy.
In 2019, I had the incredible honor of representing GB in my age group at the Olympic Distance World Championships in Lausanne.
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I'm also a BTF Level 2 Diploma Qualified Coach with a BSc in Strength & Conditioning, Rehabilitation & Sports Massage, and an MSc in Sport Coaching & Pedagogy. Currently, I'm a Lecturer in Sport Coaching & Sport & Exercise Science.
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Club Manager and BTF Swim, Bike, Run Leader
Noel Gurr
Hi, I'm Noel,
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I have five years of triathlon experience, and have successfully completed 70.3 Ironman events in Stafford, Weymouth, and Swansea.
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I have a strong background in endurance sports and adventure travel, having led a team to Everest Base Camp, cycling in Cyprus and participated in an expedition scuba diving off the coast of Madagascar.
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I am a BTF qualified Swim, Bike, Run Leader and also support the club with the backroom administration.
Triathlon coach
PAUL SHERGOLD
Paul is a Level 3 coach certified by the British Triathlon Federation, with experience coaching athletes ranging from novices to elites, including age group competitors. Additionally, he holds a Level 2 Swim Teacher and Coach certification from the Amateur Swimming Association.
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As a BTF Mentor, Paul is actively involved in mentoring both athletes and fellow coaches throughout the southwest region.
Coaching newcomers to the sport brings him the most joy. His coaching has led athletes to represent Great Britain at world championships, from juniors to age groupers in their 70s. His athletes consistently achieve remarkable progress, often exceeding expectations in races.
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Paul has been involved in triathlon since 1985. During his early years, he won several events and has since participated in numerous endurance challenges, including cycling the length of the Suez Canal, completing the Three Peaks Challenge, and recently swimming 10 kilometers in the River Dart.
Swim coach
Juliette Dickinson
Hi,
I’m Juliette,
I have 5 years of experience teaching and coaching swimming to adults and juniors. I am a qualified Level 2 Swim England Teacher and STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach.
I am keenly interested in swimming (open water and pool-based), trail running and swim/run activities and have completed numerous long-distance swims and endurance events.
I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their sporting goals, especially those just beginning their journey.
Triathlon coach & media
Bea Wilkey
Hello, I’m Bea!
I’m a Level 2 tri coach with a passion for helping athletes achieve their swimming goals. Before diving into the world of open water swimming and triathlon, I spent 14 years competing in Artistic Swimming and 3 years coaching both adults and children in the sport.
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My love for the water didn’t stop there—I’ve completed the 5km Great North Swim and even conquered a 10km swim in Turkey! When I’m not in the water, you can find me on the tennis court, perfecting my serve, or in the kitchen, baking delicious cakes.
In my spare time (my actual day job), I serve as a Taunton Flower Show Coordinator, managing traders, membership, volunteers, and entertainment.
I’m always up for a new challenge or adventure!
Ride leader and head of fun!
Emellia White
Hi, I'm Emellia.
I'm a BTF Swim, Bike, Run leader but also the head of fun for the club. I'm a coach who is passionate about cycling and loves to share my knowledge with others. My positive attitude and infectious energy make for a great motivator during rides of all levels. I'm dedicated to creating a fun and supportive environment for everyone.
Junior Squad Swim Coach - 4T Tigers
Becca Ford
Hi, I’m Becca.
I’m one of the coaches for the junior sessions.
I’m Level 2 qualified in Swim Teaching with Swim England and have been for over 6 years.
The atmosphere with 4T is great as it combines both hard work and fun, creating the perfect training environment.
Our goal is to expand the junior sessions and develop a full junior squad.
PROFESSIONAL & FUN