Warriner joins forces with former world champion turned coach

Kiwi Triathlete Sam Warriner has made her intentions to continue racing well and truly clear with today’s announcement that she will work with a new coach, former world number one athlete Siri Lindley.

The multiple world champion American dominated the sport at the turn of the century and has made a smooth transition into the coaching ranks, looking after Lauren Groves (Canadian National Champion), Miranda Carfrae (Australia, World Champion), Sarah Groff (USA), Michelle Dillon (UK) and Mary Beth Ellis (USA).

In making the move, Warriner is quick to acknowledge the great support and advice from her previous coaches. Warriner appreciates she has worked with some of the best coaches during her career so far, people like Ian Babe, Brendon Downey and Murray Healey of Fat Dogs Coaching in Whangarei, all of whom have helped her amass 6 ITU World Cup wins and World Championship podiums.

“Murray and I always agreed that he would take me as far as the Beijing Olympics,” said Warriner. “Murray has a young family and business and has worked tirelessly over the past two years for the Olympic campaign.”

“I’m now ready to take the next step, I’ve won big races but I’d like to be a World Champion before my career is over and I feel I need the guidance of somebody who has actually competed at an international level if I am to achieve this.”

“It will be great for my own coaching too. I love helping others and currently coach a handful of recreational triathletes through my website www.sweat7.com . When I finally do retire I’d like to coach in New Zealand. What better way to set myself up for this than learn from one of the world’s best”.

When asked where Siri sees Sam’s future direction in the sport heading, her response left no room for doubt about her belief in Warriner.

“Sam has had a tremendous career thus far, but I honestly believe that she has only just scratched the surface of what she is capable of….I see so much potential in her, to be the very best in the world! Sam and I will make an incredible team. I know that Sam will reach all new levels of performance under my tutelage, and with the methods I employ. I have big plans for her, and know that she is ready for all the hard work and commitment needed in order for her to achieve her greatest dreams!”

Sam Warriner announced her return to top level racing post Olympics (where she finished a disappointing 16th) and her first race under the guidance of Lindley with a victory at the final round of the final round of the British Corus Elite Series, winning twice in the space of three hours in the ‘Super Eliminator’ format of racing that saw athletes race twice in under three hours over 300m swim, 7km bike and a 2.2km run.

Warriner reveled in the fast paced and competitive atmosphere, winning both her heat and then the final by ten seconds over Christine Pilz of Germany.

Warriner’s response after the race was to immediately put Beijing behind her and focus on the future.

“I’m looking forward to experimenting with my racing in 2009. These two wins ( at the Corus Series) prove that I am competitive over the shorter sprint distances; I’d like to do some more of these races next year. I’m also very excited about the new World Cup series that the ITU are planning, 6 major races in capital cities around the globe. Next year is going to be all about having fun, I love racing, I love winning, and I want to do lots of both!”

Siri’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable for Sam’s 2009 plans.

Siri Lindley dominated the sport of triathlon during her career, she was known for her devastating run splits. Siri was the top ranked female triathlete in the world during 2001 and 2002. She amassed so many victories that even after her retirement Siri still topped the World rankings for a whole year.

Now putting back into the sport, Siri has coached a number of World Champions. Her athletes are known for their hard working nature and ability to be competitive at various distances; from Sprint distance triathlons through to Iron man.

Lindley knows what she is getting from Warriner and likes what she sees.

“Sam’s fire…a fire that drives her to her best possible effort on race day, fearlessness, and her desire and willingness to do whatever it takes, to be the very best she can be!”

Sam Warriner Results 2008;
1st ITU World Cup, South Korea, 26th April.
3rd ITU World Championships, Vancouver, 8th June.
3rd ITU World Cup, Austria, 20th July.
16th Beijing Olympic Games, 18th August.

Future 2008 Races:
ITU World Cup, Lorient, France, 28th September.
US Open, Dallas, USA, 5th October.
ITU World Cup, Mexico, 26th October.

Sam is currently in 3rd place in the ITU World Rankings. Lorient and Mexico will determine her final position. Sam finished 3rd in the 2007 ranking and presently it is looking very likely that she will finish no lower than 3rd this year as the 4th and 5th places athletes are not competing in the final two events. Helen Tucker of GBR is currently placed 2nd and Sam would need to finish 8th or above in either of the two remaining events to go into 2nd. Helen is injured and not competing in the final two events.