Coaches Corner - Dave McKean
Where passion meets performance. In this series, we shine a spotlight on the incredible work of coaches across our athletics community. Celebrating the stories, successes, and impact they have on and off the track. From grassroots to greatness, these are the people shaping the future of our sport.
Our Coach today is Dave McKean.
Why do you love being a coach?
I love being able to help my athletes be the best possible athlete they can be. To see these young people grow into adults and take the lessons learned on the sporting field into all aspects of their life is simply amazing. I have a true passion for the event and love being able to share what knowledge I have with others so that they can try to realise their goals and aspirations. To be so pivotal to the athlete’s growth and development really is an honour and a privilege. I love the fact that they push me as hard as I push them. I am driven to want to be the best possible coach to them in the same way that they are driven to be the best possible athlete they can be. When you have two people driven by the same desire and with the same goals it is often incredible to see what can be achieved.
How many athletes do you have competing over nationals?
18 athletes over juniors and seniors
You’ve had a fantastic day one of competition, can you talk us through your results?
Today I had 4 Girls in the Under 16 Pole Vault and 1 in The Under 15 Pole Vault. All achieved personal bests, with two silver medals and one bronze medal.
How are you feeling as a coach right now?
These are the sort of days that make coaching so amazing. The girls all performed to their absolute best. Not only that but they had fun and enjoyed themselves. To see the smiles on the faces of my athletes when they do something they never thought they could is the best feeling. I feel so privileged to be able to be a part of their Athletic journey and that they place their trust in me to help them do what they may think is the impossible. I am so proud and happy with their results (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th in the U16 and 2nd in U15) but makes me even happier is when I see them do things like this. Mid competition one of my athletes went to console a friend who had experienced a mishap in the hurdles. In the middle of the largest competition of the year for her she took the time to go and console this friend. Then come back and continue to jump brilliantly and do a PB. This is what sport is about. Doing your best and also being the sort of person who helps others be the best they can be. A medal is wonderful and is the result we all strive for but being able to do your best whilst still being an amazing human is what I think sport is about.
Were there any specific moments in the lead-up where you knew something special was going to happen?
I am forever an optimist. I had confidence that all of my athletes had the right preparation, mentally and physically to perform at their peak. We have had hiccups, but we have overcome them through planning and understanding of why the speed bump occurred and laying out a clear plan to break through any challenges. I knew that all of them had and have the potential to improve their personal best. This was our goal. I also knew that if they did this that the desired result would come. I tried to make sure that their focus was on what they could control and what they were going to do rather than allowing any external uncontrollable forces dictate what might happen. Thankfully they all listened and we had a wonderful first day of Nationals. There are still quite a few days ahead and a number of my other athletes still to compete. I believe they will all give it their best and we have not finished with the PB’s just yet .