Back in the USA

It is good to be back home even it is only for eight days before I leave for Scotland. The trip down under was wonderful. Over the next few days as I get caught up I will share with you some of the things I learned. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was so helpful: Glynnis Nunn of the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association (The winner of first Olympic Heptathlon in 1984 and a wonderful person). My good friend and colleague Dean Benton, Performance Director of the Brumbies for doing the initial legwork to get this trip off the ground. It was an honor to present to his staff and their world-renowned coach Jake White, coach of the 2007 Rugby World Cup winning Springboks. Bill Sweetenham for inviting to present to the Podium Forum at AIS. Getting to finally meet Bill after all these years was very special. He is an icon the coaching world. Thanks to all the folks at the Western Australian Track & Field Coaches Association for finally getting me to Perth, a corner of the world that I definitely will come back to. A special thanks to Phil King for a great four days in Melbourne and allowing me to work with his athlete, Jana Pittman. Lachlan Penfold, Performance Director Sydney Roosters ARL, my good friend and colleague for hosting me the last four day in OZ and allowing me to brainstorm on training with his staff. Rob Medlicott for the wonderful luncheon on Sunday with some old friends. Australia is a special place for me. From my first visit in 1996 I fell in love with the place because of the warm and friendly people, the great coaches eager to learn and share and the national passion for sport. In my little world that is very special. I am already looking forward to the next visit and I have only been home for twelve hours. This visit epitomized what is so special about sport and coaching. The friendships and connections with people are so special, it transcends wins, loses medals and championships.