Shelly Taylor-Smith
Occupation: Success & Performance Coach, Motivational Keynote Speaker, International Bestselling Author, Champion Mindset Business Trainer
Specialty: Swimming
Websites: www.championmindset.com.au, www.openwaterswimmingmastery.com
In 1998 I officially retired from the competitive swimming after winning my 5th overall title around Manhattan Island. Meanwhile, I continued swimming with the local Manly Swim team with my girlfriend and swim coach, Narelle Simpson. That’s where I was given the opportunity to coach the Adult squad of men & women, a combination of keen Masters Swimmers and open water swimming newbies. During those post-career years I trained as a mental performance coach and launched Champion Mindset Consulting where I was able to assist many athletes from recreational to Olympic & Professional to achieve their Champion potential.
I never fulfilled the Olympic dream I shared with millions of other kids and never won an Olympic medal of any colour. However I was elected to the FINA Athletes Commission as Chairperson. In 2000 I wes appointed Honorary Secretary, FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee (TOWSC) 2000-2009 and on October 27, 2005 my 30 year dream became reality with the inclusion of the 10km Marathon Swim event into the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games programme. The greatest honour was bestowed upon me to train the Chinese Open Water Swimming officials and co-ordinate the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 inaugural 10km Marathon Swim from 2005-2008.
In December 2008, I returned to my hometown of Perth, Western Australia after living in Sydney for seventeen years. Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist & childhood City of Perth/Aquaclub training teammate, Bill Kirby approached me in July 2009 with the offer to be the Head Coach of the Kirbyswim Solo Squad for Western Australia’s premier open water event; “The Annual Rottnest Channel 20km Marathon Swim”. Now two years on, I have had the unique privilege to coach over 100 Kirbyswim solo & duo swimmers in 2010 & 2011 to achieve their Rotto goal!
Last year, Triathlon Western Australia approached me to conduct Open Water Swimming Mastery Clinics for their triathletes in addition to the sell out clinics conducted in 2009 & 2010 for Swimming Western Australia.
My experience from age group to World Champion and professional athlete has given me the good fortune to train alongside many well-credentialed athletes and coaches. Now I am excited to be able to offer the knowledge that I have learned to others.
Although my coaching philosophy has evolved over my twenty years of competing with over a quarter century of experience, there remain several core beliefs and values that have guided me since I blew my first bubbles with the seaweed and jellyfish at Mettams Pool in North Beach, Perth, Western Australia and, I expect, always will do so:
1. There are no shortcuts to success
2. There are no secrets to success
3. You have to show-up; with a positive Champion attitude
4. You must believe in yourself
5. You must have a goal
6. You must be patient
7. You must apply yourself diligently in mind, body and spirit
My coaching philosophy is simple – I am personal and professional. And my athletes refer to me as the Tough Love Coach.
