Triathlete Testimonials
Here are some recent testimonials from athletes, giving their thoughts about their experiences being coached by us.
Firstly, some recent messages from athletes …
“Thank you for everything. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am in my triathlon journey if it wasn’t for your continued support and help 🙂👊”
“Thank you Bryan – you are a great coach who just gets what people need and when/how they need it. And I also think thats why you’ve created something special with swim squad. 🏊🏻♂️”
“Bryan, I couldn’t have done it without you. Honestly, all of the times I could have given up, you kept me going, positive and believing in me. In turn that gave me the belief in myself and I cannot thank you enough.”
“Yesterday I became an Outlaw. 9 months of dedicated training, not going to lie, super proud of myself as it all went to plan. A massive thanks to Bryan Riley (Triathlon Swim Squad), who has set my training building week on week based on his experience and got my swimming up to scratch. Without making the decision to take Bryan on as my coach yesterday would not have happened.”
“Firstly, a big thanks for getting me there!!! Signing up to your planning and coaching was the singularly best decision I made on the Outlaw journey.”
“Think as a coach and athlete we had a big year — big plans, big ambitions. And then some big injuries and changes to those plans 🙂 thanks for being here for me and for changing those plans and helping me to stay present and make the most of what was in front of me. xx”
Athletes have also written specific testimonials, giving feedback on their coaching experience.
Ironman Triathlete – First Timer
Forever grateful.
Working with Bryan has genuinely been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Completing an Ironman-distance triathlon had always been a dream of mine, and I knew it would demand more than just physical fitness – I needed to be mentally ready too. Thanks to Bryan’s coaching, I was absolutely both.
Our coach–athlete partnership gave me so much more than a training plan. It brought structure and routine into my week, with the right balance of volume and variety. I became more aware of the importance of nutrition – and more importantly, how to implement it. I learned to adapt, stay calm, and problem-solve through the unpredictable nature of race day.
But perhaps the most powerful thing Bryan gave me was belief – he believed in me even when I doubted myself. That belief carried me across finish lines thinking, “He was right. I can do this.”
I’ll be forever grateful – and I know this won’t be the last chapter I share with Bryan.
Two-Time Ironman
I’ve been coached by Bryan Riley of Triathlon Swim Squad on and off since 2022, after a friend recommended him. At the time, I was looking for help training for an Olympic Distance Triathlon. I never expected that just a few years later, I’d be a two-time Full Distance Ironman finisher – and I know I couldn’t have done it without Bryan’s guidance.
Life is busy. I work full time in a job with a demanding shift pattern, and I’m a dad to two young boys – so finding time to train is always a challenge. But Bryan has always made it work. He’s consistently tailored my training to fit around my life, not the other way around. Looking back, I’ve averaged about 7 hours of training per week – which isn’t much by long-distance triathlon standards – but because his sessions are so well thought out, they’ve always delivered results.
What’s impressed me most is not just the performance gains, but how much I’ve learned along the way – about training, racing, pacing, nutrition, and even mindset. Bryan’s helped me progress from complete beginner to a confident, consistent age-group triathlete. And even though I don’t have any races planned for the rest of this year, I’m continuing with coaching because I genuinely enjoy the process and want to maintain the progress we’ve made.
One of the unexpected highlights of working with Bryan has been becoming part of Triathlon Swim Squad. It’s more than just coaching – it’s a community. I’ve connected with so many like-minded athletes through the squad, and the support and encouragement from everyone has been incredible. It’s a really motivating and positive group to be part of.
If you’re thinking about coaching – whether you’re a beginner or aiming for long-distance events – I can’t recommend Bryan highly enough. He has a real knack for getting the best out of people, no matter their background or schedule, and I’m very grateful to be part of what he’s built.
More Testimonials can be found through the links below.
Triathlon Coaching
Swim Squads
Swim 1-1s
Open Water Swimming
Swim Training Plans
Marathon Coaching
Swim Squad Testimonials
Testimonial 1
“Three years ago today since I started swimming with Swim Squad. Never in a million years did I ever think I was capable of achieving what I have done so far! Thank you for creating such a special space that got me back into a sport that I love so much! 👏🫡”
Testimonial 2
“I started swimming with Bryan about 3 ago after only really swimming as a child. I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
Bryan gives you simple but effective tips that make you a better swimmer, he pushes you to improve without you knowing you’re being pushed – the environment he’s created only helps that.
My first Ironman swim was 1 hour 46mins (2016) before starting with Bryan. My second Ironman swim (2021 – 1 year with Bryan) was 1 hour 23 that’s the effect Bryan has, I now swim past people instead of people swimming past me.
I promote his sessions whenever and wherever I can as he is hands down the best swim coach in the North West. 🏊🏻🏊🏻♂️🙂👍”