WA'S JAVELIN JUGGERNAUTS RISE TO THE TOP
Published Fri 14 Jun 2024
When camaraderie and joy echo through the stadium, WA’s Javelin athletes don’t just aim for greatness, they achieve it. The recent Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships saw WA’s Javelin throwers once again demonstrate their exceptional team spirit transform into a winning formula.
During the Adelaide-based Championships, WA’s Javelin athlete secured an outstanding 14 podium finishes across the nine days of competition.
Behind the success on the field, is a culture of excellence and unity that extends beyond training groups or clubs. Fostered by a group of passionate and dedicated coaches who have not only honed the technical skills of the athletes but also built a supportive and cohesive team environment that has propelled them to new heights.
Included in this collection of coaches is Janno Van Der Linde who started his journey after wanting to become a coach to share the knowledge he gained from his father, Mervin, and pass it on to other kids to help them develop.
With determination to create a “generational effect of knowledge” in the Javelin community, it isn’t just about achieving great results in the sport for Van Der Linde but creating an environment where athletes and young people come to have fun.
“It’s all about creating a fun environment. It is my job to make sure everyone understands the technical aspects, but also to ensure that everyone is enjoying themselves too,” Van Der Linde said.
“My goal as a coach was to build a legacy for the sport, I wanted to grow the culture and not just in throws but for the sport as a whole.”
The proof is certainly there, with a staggering number of results generated over the last three years highlighting a cultural revolution that drives success. Alongside a positive culture within the team, Van Der Linde describes the connections between coaches in the Javelin community as ‘supportive and collaborative’.
“We have a good community where we all support each other, we watch each other’s athletes and support each other as a team, not just in the javelin but the entire WA team.”
“If another coach is away, we step in and help out with their athletes, whether we film their event and send it to their coach for feedback or we offer advice to the athletes at the event, we are all there to support each other.”
Joining Van Der Lin in this supportive and collaborative approach is fellow coach Allana Wignall whose expertise span across the throwing disciplines. Like Van Der Linde, Wignall describes the culture within the throwing community as a “nice and positive environment to be in.”
“As far as the athletes go at competitions, it is a fantastic environment where the athletes all support one another and are encouraging on site,” Wignall said.
“When PBs are had, everyone acknowledges the success, or same if they are having a bad day. As we all train on similar days and times, all the athletes chat and offer praise when an athlete throws well, even in training.”
Coaching athletics involves much more than just teaching technical skills and winning medals in competitions.
“Coaching is a roller coaster of a ride, but a very rewarding one. The reward is seeing the athletes improve and their self-esteem and confidence grow, and that is why I am still coaching.”
Van Der Linde’s approach to coaching goes beyond traditional methods. He emphasises the significance of mental resilience, mutual support, and the joy of the sport.
“I cater for those who don’t want to train as a group and for those that do I try and split the groups into personalities and abilities because it is really important to keep the mental health side of things healthy,” added Van Der Linde
“Coaching is about helping them improve in the sport and supporting them with life too.”
As Van Der Linde and Wignall continue to lead and mentor their athletes, the future looks bright for WA’s throwing community. Their journey over the past three years is a powerful example of how a positive and cohesive environment can translate into outstanding competitive success.
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By Imogen McDonald (Athletics West)
Posted 14 June 2024
