Simon Bennett

Simon began his athletic career as a swimmer. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a year later however this has never slowed him down. After a very successful career as a junior swimmer Simon went on to join the Elite High Performance Swim Program.

Simon placed in the top three of several competitions and his consistency and focus on stroke technique became evident. This proven experience and attention to technique lead to the request by Elite Coaches, Triathlon Clubs and Swim Teams to have him coach their athletes.

During his time as a coach and owner of Pisces Specialized Fitness, Simon worked with clients who accomplished personal bests, qualified for Triathlon World Championships in Kona, won National Championships, and broke World Records in Swimming.

While as a member of the Elite National Swimming Program Simon taught strength and conditioning to coaches that worked with the Melbourne Storm, a National Rugby League Team, National level swim teams and Regional running programs. Injury prevention and rehabilitation was a primary focus of his coaching. He has written and published training manuals and nutrition programs for endurance athletes used in a one on one and team settings.

While coaching clients for Triathlon Simon found a love for the bike and began competing In road cycling races. In eight months Simon went from an entry level to a Professional category cyclist. In 2009 he left his coaching career to pursue an opportunity to combine his passions for cycling and Diabetes outreach with the Team Type 1 Cycling Team based in the United States. That same year, he was part of the RAAM 8 man team that broke the World Record for the transcontinental crossing (5d,9h,5m)

In 2011 while on a trip to Africa with Team Globalbike Simon achieved his second World Record in becoming the first Type 1 Diabetic to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in less than 4 days beating the previous record by 2 days.

For the past two years Simon has been asked to coach at USABA Para-Cycling Talent Identification Camp held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and is currently coaching athletes on the National Team that compete in North America, Europe and have been on the podium at Para-Cycling World Cup events.

Simon is also the Assistant Coach along with Jim Cunningham with Team Roger. C Peace- a para-cycling team based in Greenville SC preparing for the World Championships in 2014. The team contains Olympic, World and National Champions.

For the last 3 years in a row Simon has been invited to the CEO Challenges George Hincapie Cycling Weekend giving aid and instruction to participants during the event. Through this relationship with CEO Challenges, Simon was coach of the CEO Challenges to benefit Challenged Athletes Foundation 8 person Race Across America team that took 4th place, which was unheard of for a rookie team.

Coaching Philosophy: I have always thrived on overcoming challenges and thinking outside the box to accomplish what others think may be out of reach. Competing in 2 different sports at the Elite level while balancing my Type 1 Diabetes has given me a unique insight and wisdom to problem solving, time management and goal setting that I believe can help my clients achieve their potential. I use my passion, dedication and attention to detail as a part of every training session for my clients. Bringing a strong, healthy, injury free athlete to their goal event is a primary focus of my coaching. For me, it’s all about prior planning and preparation mentally and physically which will prevent poor performance. I see my client and myself as two equal parts of one team working towards a common goal.

Testimonials

“Simon has worked to develop my swimming stroke efficiency, speed, starts and turns in readiness for the Aussi Masters Long Course State Swimming Championships. The successes of his coaching techniques are already evident as I won two Aussi Masters Short Course State Championship titles a little under 6 months ago.”
- Jen, Yarra Roughies Masters Swimming Club Member. Melbourne Australia

“Simon is a skilled motivator who is enthusiastic and committed to achieving your best results. I find each session challenging and rewarding and I’m always keen to book my next appointment and come back.”
- Georgia, Melbourne Storm National Rugby League Myotherapist. Melbourne Australia

“Simon has advised me professionally in developing my physical fitness which has enabled me to achieve the goals I set myself. Simon’s awareness of my special requirements and his extensive practical experience was a refreshing change from other training programs.”
- George, Professional Consultant- Injury Rehabilitation Client

“I am amazed at not only the improvements in fitness and well being, but the added cohesion and group dynamic I have seen in my workplace after running my team through Simon’s corporate fitness program.”
- Shoni, Founder OFS- www.ofsystems.com

“Simon is a great, motivational and inspirational coach. He utilizes many different training techniques to improve our fitness and ensures correct techniques are practiced and he promotes self-discipline essential to our success.”
- Graham & Louise, Functional Performance & Weight Loss

Brief Summary of Client Results

• Two podium places at Triathlon National Championships
• Client Qualified for Triathlon World Championships
• Personal Records by 45 minutes in Assault on Mt Mitchell
• Clients Qualified for New York and Boston Marathons and Re-Qualified with a PR
• 9th overall and 3rd American in New York City Marathon- Handcycling Division
• Client Received Most Improved Rider Award from cycling club
• Under my Coaching guidance no client has had a training induced injury
• Several Triathlon and Running age group victories, numerous top 5s and personal records for Sprint, Olympic, Half Ironman, Ironman, Half Marathon and Marathon Distances
• State Time Trial Champion
• Charlotte Motor Speedway Time Trial Series Champion
• Swimmer qualified for Regionals- Top 32 swimmers in United States