coach

michelle bird

“I am passionate about guiding athletes on their journey toward excellence, helping them reach new heights in their chosen sport, and instilling values of discipline, dedication, and lifelong wellness.“

Michelle Bird, BSc (First Hons) Sport, Fitness & Coaching                Head of Cross Country and Athletics, King’s Ely

As an athletic development coach, I am dedicated to optimising athletes’ performance and overall physical development through a holistic and evidence-based approach. With a strong background in sports science and exercise physiology, I specialise in creating tailored training programs that enhance athletes’ strength, power, speed, endurance, and agility, and reduce injury. 

Coaching Style

My coaching style is characterised by clear communication, motivation, and fostering a positive training environment. I believe in building a strong rapport with athletes, promoting open dialogue, and encouraging them to take ownership of their development journey. By combining advanced training methodologies with psychological resilience techniques, I help athletes overcome challenges, push their limits, and unlock their full potential.

Coaching Philosophy

My coaching philosophy centres around individualisation, recognising that each athlete possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. I am adept at conducting comprehensive assessments to identify areas for improvement and creating personalised training plans that address these specific needs. Through ongoing monitoring and data analysis, I refine and adjust training protocols to ensure continual progress and adaptation.

 

Professional Qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness & Coaching (First-Class Honours) The Open University
  • England Athletics Event Group Coach – Endurance 
  • England Athletics Coach (Throws) and Coaching Assistant
  • Coach in Running Fitness  – UKA/England Athletics (CiRF)
  • Group Leader in Running Fitness – UKA/England Athletics (LiRF)
  • British Weightlifting Level 3 Strength & Power Coach
  • British Weightlifting Level 2 Strength Training Coaching Award
  • Sport and Exercise Nutritional Advisor (CPD & CYQ Endorsed)
  • Certificate in Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions
  • Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork (QCF)
  • Active IQ Level 3 Award in Designing Pre and Post Natal Exercise Programmes (QCF)

Competitive Experience

  • Youth Athletics  – County Level (Sprints / Javelin / Shot Put)
  • British Triathlon Competitive Athlete (Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon)
  • UK Athletics Competitive Endurance Athlete (Road Races and Trial Running)

Sporting Achievements

2015 Chariots of Fire Team Relay – 6th
2016 Cambridge Triathlon’s Duathlon Champion
2016 Kimbolton Sprint Triathlon & Newmarket Triathlon – 2nd (Age Group)
2017 Chariots of Fire Team Relay – 2nd
2018 Rat Race Coast to Coast  – 105 miles
2019 Superhuman games – Pairs event – 13th 
2019 Rainhill Trials CrossFit competition 25th 
2019 Battle of The Knights 5km OCR April – 5th 36:22
2019 Maverick 17km Snowdon – 7th 02:45:31
2019 Ely Potato Race Oct – 3rd 
2021 Escape to Afan Duathlon – 4th (Age Group) 6th Overall 
2021 Suffolk Trail Festival Ultra 48.6km 06:21:35 8th 
2022 Southern Enduro Mash Up – Mountain Bike 2nd 
2023 Southern Enduro Mash Up – Mountain Bike 3rd