Muir leads young Aussies

Gordon Muir with some of Australia's emerging athletes at the finishing line in Sydney.

Flying Start Fitness coach, Gordon Muir, is flying high after his experience coaching Australian junior athletes at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival earlier this year. 
The Kyneton runner and four-time AFL boundary goal umpire was one of seven coaches who worked closely with 60 Australian 16-year-old athletes who competed against 140 athletes from China, Brazil and New Zealand in the track and field programme. The competition featured 1700 athletes in total across multiple sports.
"I was thrilled to receive an invitation from Athletics Australia to apply for the position and overjoyed when my appointment was confirmed," Muir said.
Muir's coaching role consisted of assisting the training requirements of athletes in the lead-up to the games, queries regarding recovery, nutrition, race preparation and tactics, ensuring athletes were properly warmed up for their races and preparation before and immediately after races. He and the other coaches also assisted team managers and the team leader with the logistics of coordinating the team. 
Muir said the festival provided a great opportunity for up and coming athletes and staff to gain experience that replicates the Olympic Games. They stayed in a games village, ate in a communal food hall, had strict curfews, drug testing and information sessions, opening ceremony with the pride of wearing their nation's colours and the experience of competing in international competition. 
Some of Australia's finest athletes have competed at these games. Olympic gold medalist and world champion Sally Pearson heads the list ahead of Australian 1500-metre record-holder Ryan Gregson and 1500-metre Olympic semi-finalist Zoe Buckman. Muir highlighted some of the top performers at the festival to keep an eye out for in the future, including 800-metre and 1500-metre runners, Hugh Nicklason and Jonas Aranda, 800-metre runner Georgie Wassal, 3000-metre runner Bri Ilarda, 5000-metre walker Nathan Brill and thrower Matt Denny. 
Muir has been a competitive athlete for the past 20 years and has been coaching for the last five years. He has enjoyed remarkable success with Rochelle Kennedy who has won national and state titles, was a silver medallist at the Commonwealth Youth Games and more recently won the bronze medal in the 1500 metres and silver in the 800 metres at the Victorian Junior Track and Field Championships two weeks ago. She is currently with the Under 19 national squad.
His current athletes have made a 'flying start' to 2013, tasting success on the professional running circuit recently with Tarryn Fisher winning the Women's 400 metres final at The Daylesford Gift and Indiana Cooper winning the 1600-metre final at The Ringwood Gift.
"I have no doubt there are a number of athletes in the Macedon Ranges who have the potential to follow in Rochelle's footsteps and those of the Australian Youth Olympic Festival athletes," Muir said, "I'd love the opportunity to help them realise their potential, while also helping runners of all levels achieve their goals."
Muir has received an invitation to apply for a coaching position with the Australian team for the Oceania Championships in Tahiti in June, in which Australia will have an Under 18s and senior team.
To find out more information about the Flying Start program, visit Facebook - Flying Start Fitness or contact Gordon on - 0425 111 765.