Laura Martin
Skills Academy Squads
Coaching Qualifications/Experience
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Swim England Level 1 Coach
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Swim England Level 1 & 2 Swimming Teacher
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ASA Qualified Judge Level 1 & 2. Trainee Judge 2 Starter
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Level 2 Fitness Instructor
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Young Aquatics Organiser
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(BA Hons) Sport Development and Business
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Tadley Swimming Pool Swim Teacher from 2013-Present
Years in Swimming
“I have been a member of Bluefins since 2005 when the club was first formed, before that I had been a member of Basingstoke Swimming Club since learning to swim at aged 4. When I was 13 I began water helping as part of the lessons programme before becoming a qualified swimming teacher at 16, shortly after that I also became involved in the coaching side and the rest is history”
Swimming and Coaching Background
Swimming has always been my escape from the outside world. I swam competitively throughout my teenage years, however after years of knee injury Graeme suggested trying my hand at coaching having already started teaching lessons. In 2011 I started work shadowing in the development and academy squads before eventually leading my own development group. I’ve also been able to shadow and work with coaches of the higher squads throughout the years and was Lead Coach of club squad for several years. However, my real passion for coaching is with the development level swimmers, helping them find their love for swimming as well as seeing their growth, and improvement in skills and fitness. Being a qualified young official from the age of 14, then gaining my Level 1 & 2 officiating has given me an in-depth knowledge of all swimming rules, as well as the opportunity to officiate at National events, and even the last test event for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Coaches that Inspired me
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Graeme Thomas: It was Graeme who first put the thought of getting into coaching in my head back in 2011. Without that seed being planted who knows if I would be where I am today.
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Colin Dew: I was not only lucky enough to not only be coached by Colin as a swimmer, but also had the pleasure of working beside him. He taught me so much about swimming itself and how to be a great teacher and coach. He is greatly missed.
Favourite Set
My most memorable set as a swimmer was when I had David Wittig as a coach, as much as it was a killer the sense of achievement after it was done was second to none.
10 x (4 x 50’s fly @ 60)
1st of each set from Dive
4th of each set on @90
As a coach I love working on 4x25m drills. As simple as it may seem, the improvements you see from the swimmers from the first to last 25m fills you with immense pride.
Favourite Racing Pool
University of Bath Pool
London Aquatics Centre (Although I’ve never competed there myself I was lucky enough to officiate at the last test event before the 2012 games)
Favourite Quote