Karl White
Triathlon and Endurance Coach based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, UK
As a Coach
Karl had been informally supporting athletes for a couple of years, then in 2021, he qualified as a BTF Level 1 coach and followed up with his BTF Level 2 qualification. Karl is also the head coach of his local triathlon club.
As a professional trainer and member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development for over 20 years, he can draw on a range of techniques and learning experiences when coaching. Karl is also a PADI Divemaster, which allows him to support divers who have received some training as they practice and develop their skills. When you’re several meters underwater, you really have to build up trust with the divers under your care and work with them as a team.
Together with his partner Jude, they took over a B&B in 2019 and host our Norfolk training camp; both are seasoned friends of TTH, having both coached athletes for several years.
As an Athlete
Karl has always been active; he was a keen cross-country runner and reached county level at school, as well as being in the school sprint relay team. Karl is determined and challenges himself. This may stem from Karl’s childhood; he was born with a spinal condition, which meant he had the possibility of being a wheelchair user. The condition was mostly corrected at a young age, although he still needs to be extra careful of his back. Karl has been taking part in triathlons regularly for over 10 years. Other interests included rock climbing, scuba diving, and he has even completed a solo sky dive
See Karl’s most recent athlete feedback
Q&A with Karl
When did you get into Triathlon? Not counting a mini one I did as a teenager, 2014
How did you first get involved in Triathlon? I sort of stumbled into Triathlon. My partner Jude and I were doing a lot of bike sportives, I’ve always been a keen runner, and we were also building up our swimming as part of our PADI Divemaster training. A friend jokingly asked if we were training for a triathlon. Jude said confidently, “Shall we?” So we did.
Why did you choose to take up coaching? I have always loved helping people develop. Even at school, I helped with some class quizzes or encouraged classmates trying to get into the athletics or cross country squads. Outside of Triathlon, along with the B&B, coaching/training is my profession, so it just seemed a natural step. I was doing it informally, so why not actually educate myself to get better at helping people achieve their triathlon goals?
What is your greatest athletic achievement? In Triathlon, representing GB in the Age Group at the European Sprint championship.
What is your greatest coaching achievement? Well, at this early stage, to quote one of my triathletes who posted on the local club FB page. “Thank you for that awesome session. Between you and me, I was terrified of Open Water before the session. But now I can’t wait to go back in”.
What one piece of advice would you give someone new to Triathlon? Smile, enjoy the experience, and don’t get pulled into thinking you need to do a 70.30 or IM distance straight away to be called a triathlete.
Favourite quote: Always look on the bright side of life.
Read Karl’s latest blogs
