LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COACHES

Hello,

I’m entering my eighth year as a masters swim coach and I’m thrilled to serve as Head Coach for E=MC³.

Born in South Africa, I later moved to the UK, where I trained with Bexley Masters under Tanya Brightwell, a World Sprint Triathlon Champion who represented Britain internationally. After relocating to Canada, I joined a masters program at the Taggart Family YMCA (Ottawa) and competed at the World Masters Championships in Montréal. While swimming with the National Capital Region YMCA Masters, Head Coach Eric Belchamber encouraged me to step onto the deck as a coach to help meet growing demand.

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Since then, I’ve coached with several Ottawa-area clubs. I’m registered with Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario, and I actively pursue development through the National Coaching Certification Program. In addition to coaching, I’m a senior Level IV competitive swim official with more than ten years of on-deck experience across all levels of competition, with a thorough knowledge of rules and stroke regulations. My coaching philosophy is simple: build strong fundamentals, foster confidence, and help every swimmer enjoy the sport for life.

Bio to come.

Hi, I’m Philippa.

I love swimming! Ah, the feeling of being in the water! 

I learned to swim when I was 2 and I have loved lakes, beaches and pools ever since. 

Over the years, I’ve competed on my high school swim team, played 8 years of water polo and/or inner tube water polo (yes, it’s an actual thing), swum the Bring on the Bay 3 km Open Water Swim 5 times, been a Lifeguard and a Swim Instructor with the City of Ottawa, and trained with Masters Swim Clubs (in Ottawa, Guelph and Rockland) for 25 years. I have put on lots of swim miles! I have been a member of EMC3 and its Board of Directors since its inception. 

I am a certified Lifesaving Society Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor. As a coach, I truly enjoy helping adults improve their swimming skills and their comfort in the water. 

I really enjoy teaching the “how to’s” of swimming in a positive environment while helping swimmers attain their goals in the pool. I look forward to seeing you in the pool!

Hello,

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My swimming journey began in my teenage years when I earned my Bronze Cross and Medallion… but didn’t take it any further at the time. After a VERY long break, I got back into the pool in 2015 by joining the Rockland Masters Swim Club with a clear goal: to complete my first Ironman 70.3 in 2016 (without drowning!). That challenge marked the beginning of a deep commitment to swimming and triathlon.

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Since then, I’ve continued to grow, both personally and as part of a team. As an active member of the E=MC³ executive since its founding, I’ve had the privilege of being coached by four exceptional coaches—each of whom shared valuable knowledge that helped me push my limits.

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Among my proudest accomplishments is representing our club at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2022 in St. George, Utah—an unforgettable experience that reflects my determination and passion for the sport.

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Today, I’m eager to pass on that same passion and discipline through coaching, helping swimmers and triathletes progress with confidence, enjoyment, and structure—no matter their level.

I was a beach swimmer growing up mostly jumping in and out of the cold Atlantic with little exposure to swimming pools. Well into my adult life my competitive swimming kids pushed me to join a Master’s Swim Club and voila close to 13 years now, no turning back.

Growing up, I was fortunate to participate in several non-swimming sports and activities which taught me body position and body awareness. This knowledge serves me well in the pool to understand the mechanics in the water. My personal swimming journey has confirmed that swimming technique can always be improved, the various strokes learned and fitness achieved starting well into adulthood. I continue to enjoy swimming and improving with the club and when coaching, sharing my learned skills and enthusiasm.

Growing up in Quebec, whether at the lake or in backyard pools, being in the water was simply part of life. I began swimming as soon as I could walk, and my passion for water safety soon led me to become certified as a swimming and lifeguarding instructor.

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In the 2000s, while living in Alberta, I discovered my passion for endurance sports. After completing my first ultra trail marathon, I was hooked. With the Rocky Mountains as my backyard, I spent years exploring their peaks—there’s no feeling quite like looking out at the world from the top of a mountain. That’s also when I started my triathlon journey, with a chilly debut in glacier-fed waters!

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Now living in Rockland, I continue to compete in full and half Iron distances, as well as 5150 triathlons. I’ve been part of the E=MC3 board since its inception. Through my own athletic journey, I discovered an interest in coaching both triathlon and swimming. I am presently certifying in my NCCP Level I Swimming Coach. Having been fortunate to work with inspiring coaches, I firmly believe that whether for leisure or performance, sport is as much mental as it is physical. In my coaching approach, I strive to tailor each session to the individual athlete, ensuring personalized support that helps every swimmer thrive. Looking forward to help you reach your goals.