Dawn brings a rich tapestry of experience to her role as a swim coach, blending her background as a retired Registered Critical Care Nurse with her passion for aquatic sports. Certified by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) as both a Level 1 Swim Coach and an Adult Community Triathlon Coach, Dawn also holds a National Lifesaving Award and a Lifesaving Society Water Instructor Award. Her lifelong journey in swimming and paddle sports provides her with a profound understanding of how to navigate water efficiently.
Embarking on a new chapter post-nursing, Dawn has found her calling in coaching, where she guides a diverse range of swimmers from infants to seniors. Her coaching philosophy is deeply influenced by her mentorship experiences with some of Ottawa's elite coaches, including Julia Aimers. Always eager to absorb new knowledge, Dawn is committed to continuous learning and improvement, aiming to enrich her swimmers' experiences.
Dawn's coaching approach is characterized by personalized drills and engaging activities, designed to help each swimmer discover their own path to mastering water movement. This methodology not only enhances skill acquisition but also fosters independence and boosts confidence among learners.
Rooted in the belief that swimming offers endless opportunities for growth, Dawn views the sport as a journey of lifelong learning that has something to offer everyone, regardless of age or skill level.
A year ago I could only tread water and had not run since childhood. With the amazing Virtual Olympic course, support, guidance, and tips from of all the folks at Team Triumph I've ended the season with my first Olympic distance triathlon under my belt and am hooked! Really looking forward to the 2025 season and even to the hard work over the winter to prepare. Karen Houle
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.
Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.
I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman