By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
Leading up to the 2022 Canada Summer Games, we are featuring the dedicated coaches who spend countless hours giving back to sport.
Let’s get to know Athletics Coach, Justin Charrier!
How long have you been coaching this sport?
14 years. I got involved because I enjoy coaching and as I was a former U of M Bison for throwing, it was a natural progression to coaching as I had a good understanding of the technique. Throws in athletics are very technical, so some prior knowledge or experience is required.
What do you love most about coaching?
I love when athletes try really hard and end up having lots of success. Lots of times, athletes will fail before finding success and this happens a lot in throws. We will change a part of the athletes’ technique and it is very hard for them to throw well immediately after.
Leading up to the Swift Current Western Canada Games, we had a pretty raw group of throwers and there were lots of ups and downs. In the end, I had my most successful games while coaching.
The amount of trust required to build with athletes in a very small amount of time is my proudest accomplishment. They need to trust that I will give them good advice and the changes we are making to their technique will benefit them in the end.
What is something you do to stay motivated and connected as a team?
Connection has been very limited as athletics has been on hold for over a year. We are working on reconnecting our group and I will be regularly communicating with the athlete and their personal coach to talk about their progress and achievements.
What are the team goals for the 2022 Canada Games?
Our goal is to always do our best. This means personal bests. In individual sports, you can’t control what others do, but you can control what you do.
Any advice for your athletes going into the Games?
To have fun and take in every moment. The Canada Games are an incredible opportunity. Enjoy your accomplishment, and let’s perform our best.
