bscta : Ben Titley

Coaching Qualifications: ASA Coach Certificate B.Sc. Physical Education, Sports Science & Recreation Management – Loughborough University (2:1) M.Sc. Sports Science – Loughborough University (pending)

British National Champions coached: James Gibson, Sara Hopkins, Ryan Benson, & Melanie Marshall, Sam McNeilly, Sarah Needham, Martin Petty (relays) & Becky Rowe (World Lifesaving Champion)

Other National Champions coached: Sarah Hopkins (Wales), Mark Pawlett (Wales), Greg Haynes (Wales), Sam Mc Neilly (Scotland), Chris Cozens, Julie Douglas (Ireland), Anne-Francois Glatre (France).

Major Championship Medallists coached: Sarah Hopkins – Bronze 1998 European Short Course ……..there are many to come…very soon!!!!

Other International swimmers coached: See above

Other Coaching Achievements: Helping to develop many ‘fine, upstanding human beings!!’

Representative Coaching Honours: Personal Coach to 1998 Commonwealth Games (Wales). Personal Coach to 1998 European Short Course Championships. British Team Coach to 1999 World University Games. Member of 1999 Universiade Technical Committee and Jury of Appeal. Personal Coach to 2000 World Short Course Championships. Coach at 2001 World Championship National Team Orientation Camp. Selected to attend 2001 World Swim Coaches Conference – Australia. Head Coach to 2001 World University Games

Coaching Influences: Nearly every coach I meet has something you can learn, a new angle. At Loughborough obviously Ian Armiger has made a difference, good or bad I’m not sure!!!! Coaches from other fields like Athletics, Volleyball, Tennis…all add to different view points…not only with regard to training both in the pool and the gym, but also with ‘cultural’ advice. Internationally Mike Bottom (USA) impressed me with his innovative approach and enthusiasm.

Favourite Coaching Resources: Eyes, Ears, Mouth…and Internet!

Favourite Coaching Venues: Outdoor pools…with the sun – a – shining.

Most important coaching qualities: 1st and foremost the ability to develop a culture where having fun, swimming fast, and being part of a team is the norm…not the exception. Obviously knowledge is important, but is overshadowed (in my opinion) by PASSION, DRIVE, DESIRE, ENTHUSIASM and COMMITMENT. We have to do “Whatever it takes” -Ian Armiger (the tashed one!)

Best British swimmer of all time: David Wilkie and Adrian Moorhouse stand out as being ahead of their time. Sarah Hardcastle also, although she never won the “Big ‘G’!”

Best Swimmer of all time: For Talent and Hard work there are many…none more so than Ian Thorpe. However, although many don’t…I love Gary all Junior’s style….he is class. An entertainer (although he has been know to but his foot in his mouth on many an occasion), a character, a fun dude…and a real fast swimmer! Legend or Leg-end….I think Legend!

Ambitions as a coach: To have fun, travel, be innovative, develop individuals…and create REAL fast swimmers. As long as you do that, the rest will follow.