Meet the Team
Ali Hollest
Head Coach
Triathlon Training Plans
Specialist in long term triathlon training planning for all distances
I have competed in all distances of triathlon for years and am fortunate enough to be able to transfer my passion into my coaching of the sport. My triathlon journey has been very fulfilling from both a competing and coaching perspective.
I understand there is a lot to take on in your first triathlon and really enjoy coaching and mentoring novice athletes. Being a competitor as well as coach I understand that for some athletes, just crossing the finish line is not enough and you have times and PBs to improve on year on year and podiums to stand on. I really get a buzz out of helping my athletes exceed their expectations.
I know from personal experience that it's important to get the life/work/social/wife/kids/training balance right. It is not always about the amount of time that is spent training, more often than not, results come from using the time you have available to train effectively, reducing stress and fatigue and adequate recovery.
With three Ironman's under my belt I now focus my own training on long distance trail running and in 2020 completed the Snowdon 6 Ways Challenge, ascending all the major routes of Snowdon continuously. I balance my coaching with running our other business Evolve Wellbeing Group and being Dad to our three young children.
Annie Hollest
Head Coach Swimming & Open Water
Specialist in freestyle technique correction, overcoming phobias, triathlon & open water swimming, exercise prescription/training & nutrition
I enjoy coaching swimmers and triathletes of all abilities, whether you're a beginner, improver or age grouper. I can help you overcome any fears you may have of swimming, perfect your freestyle technique and optimise your stroke efficiency using my scientific knowledge and experience with all different types of swimmer. I adapt each session to work on what's holding you back individually and have a positive friendly coaching style which gets results.
While studying Sports and Exercise Science & Psychology at Oxford Brookes University between 2005-2009, I trained as a Triathlon & Swimming Coach. I spent a few years helping Oxford Tri Club where my passion for open water coaching developed.
I worked for Swim Smooth, which included helping to create and deliver national British Triathlon Coach Education; development of the new ASA Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coaching qualification; and designing and writing training plans and online content.
In addition to writing our own blogs with swimming and triathlon tips, you'll find me regularly contributing to the online articles for 220 Triathlon Magazine, including Mistakes Triathletes Make in Swimming Training and Open Water Swimming Mistakes.
I balance coaching with being a Mum to our three young children and co-Directing our wellbeing consulatancy business Evolve Wellbeing Group.
Martina Slavikova-Ali
Swimming Teacher & Coach
I graduated in Slovakia with Teaching Qualifications, specialising in Physical Education and Sport. Since moving to the UK in 1998 I have been working in the sport industry.
Sports have played a big part in my life and I have always had a passion for swimming and the water. I've been teaching children, teenagers and adults to swim all four strokes for nearly a decade and I still coach at various local swimming clubs, helping develop their county and regional development squads.
I love to coach adults who're keen to either learn to swim from scratch or improve their stroke technique to make swimming feel so much easier. I look forward to being able to help you improve!
Rob Surriano
Triathlon Coach
I completed my first triathlon in 1986 and have over 30 years’ experience in this sport. Firstly as a
competitor and then as a triathlon coach, where I have 20 years’ experience, having been the Head Coach at both Stadium Triathlon Club and Perth Triathlon Club in Australia.
In 2017 I established Western Australia’s first paratriathlon programme, which involves coaching the group across all disciplines and improving access to the sport.
Since moving to the UK in 2018 for my wife's career, I've worked for Tri Swim Coaching delivering group courses in the pool and outdoors in the open water. My passion is nurturing beginners' triathlon skills.
I balance coaching part time with a Researcher role at Oxford University and busy family life with three active growing children!
