Written by Trackandmemes, May 16, 2021
Teddy Tamgho is a former high level athlete specialized in Triple Jump. Junior World Champion in 2008, Teddy has a great record of achievement as he was also World Indoor Champion in 2010 and 3rd at the European Championships 2010. He became European indoor champion in 2011, then world champion in 2013. Teddy Tamgho, aka the man who jumped 18m04, also called the European U23 record holder and European indoor record holder.
As a coach, what is your main goal when coaching an athlete?
First, the evolution and then help the athlete to succeed in his goals.
Why did you become a coach?
Basically, I did it to see if I understood the training I was doing. And in 2007, my childhood friend, Gregory Occin, asked me to train for his season. From there, it became a passion.
Did you follow a training program or did your excellent background and track record allow you to acquire this status without problems?
I currently hold a DESJEPS (Diplôme d'Etat Supérieur de la Jeunesse, de l'éducation Populaire et du Sport), in the specialty of jumping. I will soon validate my sprint/hurdles diploma...
The relationship between a coach and his athlete is essential because it can influence the athlete's performance. do you sometimes disagree with one of your athletes? how do you react in these cases?
Yes, disagreements allow for the confrontation of ideas, thoughts, plans, and to create, if necessary, a rethink. My goal is to make the athlete understand the plan I have put in place and the different steps of it, and to reassure him/her as well. But I also need to listen to him, to show empathy, in order to be in phase with his feelings and find the best solution for him.
And if I tell you, "the athlete works with his coach, not for his coach", what do you think?
I would even say: He works for HIM, ALONE, under the guidance of the coach.
And if I say to you, "a disciplined athlete reflects his coach, what do you think?
I don't necessarily agree, but it's understandable.
The question on everyone's mind is, "Why are you coaches so sadistic?
Sadists is a big word. Let's say... Perfectionists. The athlete calls the coach to be the manager of his career. As a result, the coach does his best to prepare a sharp plan on all points (physical, technical and psychological). The coach's demands can hurt, but failure can kill...
Is there anything important you've learned as a coach that you didn't know when you were a professional athlete?
The athlete doesn't have stress compared to the coach, in the big events. And athletes are annoying, so I had to be x1000 because of my character.
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