COACHING

Jon Bigg was one of Steve Ovetts main training partners and is the husband of Sally Gunnell (Olympic gold medalist) he has coached and run at international level for a number of years. Jon has been instrumental in Charlie’s athletics career, he has taken the role on as lead coach and has always overseen Charlies development. Charlie finds working with Jon really encouraging because he has a very positive attitude about everything. He is able to understand his strengths and weaknesses which helps him tailor Charlies training specifically to bring out the best in him. His training methods are founded in his years of working with both Steve, Sally and Mark Rowland (Olympic bronze medalist) so he knows what it takes to reach the top.

Paul Collicutt (Captain)  is the chairman of Phoenix AC and is a past county level middle distance runner. Paul has been the key figure in the club setup since the formation of the club in 1981, nicknamed the Captain for his 18 years as the Men’s team captain. He has now put his wealth of knowledge of how club athletics works to good use by creating groups that get the most out of up and coming junior athletes. Paul has been influential in running many of the training sessions as well as organising training camps. He works closely with Jon who he has a strong bond with, as they both used to train together from the early days of the club formation. Paul works hard to make sure nothing is missed in getting the best out of each athlete. He still keeps in regular contact  with both Steve and club founder Matt Paterson who he updates on how Phoenix athletes are progressing.

Dave Howe was a middle distance athlete who won national medals at a junior level, he has always had a passion for coaching and has been heavily involved in coaching Junior athletes through his time in the sport. Dave was Charlie’s first coach and coached him for a number of years in the lower age groups. He is still involved in the setup and plays a key role in helping in the sessions especially the younger groups.

Phoenix Athletics Club was formed in 1981 by Matt Paterson and Olympic champion Steve Ovett.. It has stuck to its beliefs of respecting individual needs.

Truffles Bakery provide Charlie with financial assistance from training costs including sports massage to travel expenses.