Q&A with Australian Para Athlete Coaches

Four Australian para athlete coaches discuss their coaching journeys, strength training, and the differences in coaching para versus able-bodied athletes.

You asked, we answered! This week's Q&A is with Iryna Dvoskina, Mike Barber, Philo Saunders & Andrew Dawes. Questions: Why did you begin coaching para athletes and how did you develop you knowledge and skill set to coach them? What changes have you observed in HP para athletics over your years of coaching? What are the difference between coaching Para Athletes to able bodied athletes from your experience? What are the difference with strength training for Para athletes. Can you give me an examples? What are the mental obstacles in coaching the best of the best. Do you think Para athletes are different in this matter? How working with Para athletes impacted your coaching and your coaching knowledge, thinking different to achieve the outcome? My coach involves me in the rest of his squad which is really fun but I’m not sure if I’m being given the most individual training for me. Do you have any advice? What advice do you have for junior para athletes who aspire to one day make the Paralympics? Iryna - Who is your favourite Athlete you have ever coached? Does Evan O’Hanlon’s moustache make him run faster? #athstogether