He’s competed at an Olympics and trained gold medallists, now world-renowned Triathlon coach Craig Walton will spearhead Bond University’s program with an ambition to create Australia’s next gold medal Olympians.
Walton was unveiled as head coach at Bond University’s 2018 Blues and Sports Awards last night.
The 42-year-old competed at the Sydney Olympics and claimed a historic six Noosa titles, including a world record, before coaching Emma Snowsill to gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He didn’t waste any time unveiling his blueprint to make Bond University the best triathlon program in the world.
“The vision is about creating the ultimate training environment for any triathlete in Australia if not the world,” Walton told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“I want to create gold medals at the Olympics. That is what I’m working towards, it’s my whole focus.
“It is about creating an elite pathway that fits an international level, firstly with Australian athletes, but also attracting athletes around the world to train at Bond.
“This program is really a one-stop shop. I’ve coached at a junior level and I’ve coached athletes to gold at the Olympics at the elite senior level. I understand what the kids go through with school and then studying at University or working while they are training. That’s the hardest part and the biggest gap we can fill.”
The Bond University triathlon program is supported by Triathlon Australia as a high performance program.
Walton believes he already has athletes in the squad who are a genuine chance of representing Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“I’d say we have 30 per cent of athletes in our squad who are great prospects for the Olympics,” he said.
“The more people we can get to that Olympic level, the more it will lift the group, raise the level and in turn attract more athletes, both nationally and internationally.
“We are not only mentoring athletes, but mentoring coaches in the program as well.
“The facility at Bond is amazing, it is better than most institutes or facilities I’ve ever trained out of. It is a boutique, bespoke institute of sport, and to be able to work out of there, I don’t think the athletes realise how lucky they have got it.
“I’m really excited to get to work, I’ve taken athletes to gold at the Olympics and I know what it takes to do it again. I’m very proud to coach under the Bond umbrella.”