Country: Great Britain
Profession: Coach
Steve is the head coach at the FudgeLdnProject. He has guided a number of British athletes to sub10 & sub20s performances, and 18 international medals, and also offers a mentorship programme to aspiring coaches through the project. Steve has worked as the UK Master Coach and Performance Sprints Coach for British Athletics, having joined the British Athletics coaching team as an apprentice before the London 2012 Olympic Games. He was part of the coaching team for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
You have lived in many different places around the world – which has been your favourite and why?
My favourite has to be my current location… London. My first Olympics as a coach was London 2012 and I can remember thinking to myself London is very cool, modern and perfect place to build an Athletics group. So, after Rio 2016 I relocated to London and started the FudgeLdnProject.
What new skills did you need to learn as you transitioned from strength and conditioning expert to sprint coach?
As a strength & conditioning coach you are really expert in a small area. When I moved into coaching I learnt that instead of knowing a lot about one thing you have to know a little about many things.
Can you describe that first sub10s by James Dasaolu?
James Dasaolu’s sub 10 in 2013 was a wonderful moment for James, myself and for British sprinting as a whole. It gave belief and encouragement to new generation of sprinting talent. The race itself was a glorious performance and the clock stopping at 9.91 was a huge surprise as we knew he was in shape to go sub 10s but he almost went sub 9.90. So fantastic day and a great memory.
What is your ultimate dream as a coach?
My ultimate dream as a coach is to keep coaching for longer! It really is a privilege to help younger people achieve something worthwhile and memorable that can offer them a chance of enjoying their sport, establishing their confidence and making a positive start in their journey.
What has been the toughest lesson for you to learn over the course of your career?
My toughest lesson as a coach is that sometimes you can work really hard and do a great job and still not win so it is really important to not judge yourself on results. Track and field is a struggle! So embrace that struggle. Be consistent. Keep showing up.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring coach what would it be?
Be careful what you wish for. Early success that comes easily might feel good in the short term but may harm you in the long term. Take your time and be patient with your development. Find a place where you can be supported by good leadership. Surround yourself with mentors and experts that can help you solve problems and overcome setbacks. And be consistent and kind to yourself.
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