About Me

Ambition, a strong desire to accomplish a goal, is a fundamental aspect of human nature. It is often manifested in dreams, providing hope and the courage to pursue our aspirations. For me, sport transcended the physical act of playing or running fast; it was a means of self-expression beyond the confines of my South African upbringing. Nelson Mandela’s unwavering dedication to sport inspired a profound love for it, recognising its transformative power to unite a nation and inspire global change. As Michael Schumacher aptly stated, “Once something becomes a passion, the motivation is innate.”

This fervour and inspiration propelled me as an athlete, with an insatiable desire to push the boundaries of speed. However, the influence of genetics played a significant role in shaping my path. While my physical abilities may not have aligned with my aspirations, I was fortunate to discover my passion for coaching. The allure of imparting knowledge and witnessing the triumph of others was irresistible.

Upon completing my education in South Africa, my journey commenced with a move to the United Kingdom to pursue a degree in Sports Coaching. Concurrently, I engaged in rugby and continued my sprinting pursuits with the local Athletics Club. This comprehensive education equipped me with a holistic approach to coaching, transcending the physical dimension to encompass the development of athletes as individuals both on and off the field. With these acquired skills, I embarked on an international career, coaching in the United States, the Local Athletics Club, and subsequently at Hartpury Rugby Academy, renowned for its exceptional rugby development programs.

During my tenure at Hartpury Rugby, I had the privilege of pursuing my Master of Science in Coaching Science while maintaining my passion for speed and athletics. I was fortunate to coach a talented group of young athletes, including Catherine Hardy in 2015. This experience led us on an exhilarating journey that culminated in Catherine’s participation in the English Schools 100m Finals, the England Midlands vest, and the British Championships at the tender age of 18. Her remarkable achievements extended to securing a scholarship with Cardiff Metropolitan University and breaking a 4x100m record there.

In 2016, a young athlete named Ellie Wheeler-Smith emerged as a track star. Her natural talent and determination propelled her to success, as she reached the English Schools 100m Finals twice and achieved a top-5 finish in the UK at the age of 17 in the 100m. Ellie’s remarkable performances paved the way for her inclusion in the British Athletics Youth Talent Programme 2019-2021.

These are just a few examples of the many young athletes I have had the privilege of guiding. Over the years, I have witnessed the growth and development of numerous individuals, many of whom have pursued their athletic careers at prestigious universities such as Cardiff Metropolitan, Loughborough, and Sheffield. The satisfaction I derive from helping these young athletes achieve their full potential, whether it’s reaching county, regional, or national levels, far outweighs any individual success I may have personally attained. Their journey serves as a testament to the fact that with hard work, dedication, and the guidance of a qualified coach, anyone has the potential to achieve greatness.

I have been fortunate to leverage my expertise in track and field to coach professional and international athletes, including Natasha (Mo) Hunt, Kelly Smith, Tatyana Heard, Zoe Aldcroft, and Millie Wood. These are just a few of the many talented young athletes I have had the privilege of working with over the years at Hartpury.

The mentorship I have received from Steve Fudge, a renowned sprint coach in the country, has significantly enhanced my understanding of the fundamental principles of sprinting, including programming, planning, mechanics, and strength training. His ability to reflect and his meticulous attention to detail have transformed my perspective on coaching, emphasising its role as a creative process rather than merely instructive.

Throughout my journey, I have witnessed the artistry of running and sprinting firsthand. I have observed both victories and defeats, as well as valuable lessons learned from mistakes. This has underscored the dynamic nature of coaching, which requires adaptability and a deep understanding of the athlete’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

My unique path to my passion has involved traveling to various countries, reflecting my personal growth and realising that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the essence of coaching and programming. Instead, coaching involves balancing the diverse elements of physical, mental, and human development.

Moving forward, I am committed to coaching talented and ambitious athletes who seek to enhance their performance within an athlete-centred, individualised planning framework. I strive to create a healthy and supportive environment where athletes can develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Coach Justin Smith