My journey to being a Triathlon Coach has been somewhat unorthodox

and continues to evolve

Merlin Triathlon Coaching became Merlin Movement when I realised that I wanted more than only swim, bike, run

Who am I?

My name is Georgia Jackson and I am a fully qualified and insured triathlon coach, swimming teacher and yoga teacher living and working in West Berkshire between Reading and Newbury. I am also an artist - an exhibiting member of the Reading Guild of Artists - but that's another story! If you are interested in finding out more about my own background, experience and coaching path, then read on. Spoiler alert: I did not start off as a sporty child.

Time for a Change

I no longer enjoyed my work as a doctor and after 15 years in medicine I wanted to prioritise time with my long-suffering children and husband. This decision coincided with my qualifying to represent Team GB as an age-group triathlete and the untimely and tragic death of a young, vibrant and hugely talented athlete and friend. I realised that despite being a cliché, life really is short.As a Consultant Paediatrician, working predominantly with children with disability, and throughout my medical training, I learnt so much more than just anatomy and physiology. I developed a broad and deep skill set which has been invaluable for coaching: teaching, psychology, communication, observational, analytical and “diagnostic” skills.

My involvement in triathlon started in 1998

as part of a relay team of medical students at the London Triathlon. I have represented Team GB three times: twice at sprint distance World Championships in 2015 and 2017, and once in Aquathlon in 2019. I always preferred short course racing, as I like being able to race quite often and found the training more manageable with a busy life.However, I have raced standard and middle-distance triathlon, as well as SwimRun, open water marathon swims, cyclocross, mountain biking, cycling time trials, runs of all sorts and plenty more.

As yoga became more important to my physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, I completed my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2024

I have been coaching and teaching for more than 10 years now and continue to learn every day.

Qualifications

British Triathlon Federation

BTF Level 2 Diploma Triathlon Coach

Swim England Qualifications

Level 2 in Teaching Swimming

Heart + Bones Yoga

Certified Yoga Teacher

UK Anti-doping Accredited Advisor

Committed to protecting clean sport and supporting my athletes to uphold this principle.

Further professional development, accreditations & awards

Henderson Personality of the Year Award Tri2O Triathlon Club, 2016Triathlon England South Central Participation Coach of the Year 2023Swim Smooth 3 Day Coach Education Course, MallorcaSwim England Adult Swimming CPD

BTF further education / CPD:

Club Coach Workshop Series - The Caring Coach: Making Connections with Athletes
Open Water Coaching CPD
Strength & Conditioning CPD
Coach Eduction: Helping older athletes to increase performance
Coach Education: Podium to Pulse: Navigating Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the Elite Return to Play
Coach Education: Managing training around your menstrual cycle for coaches
Coach Education: The Effects of Menopause and Perimenopause

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