Passionate, dedicated, serious, focused, David Kenwright is a model elite women’s gymnastics coach. He feels the coach / athlete relationship can be as sacred as the parent / athlete relationship — the kids trust you with their lives.
Originally from Manchester, England, David had long been a fixture in Vancouver, British Colombia. His recent move to my town, icy Calgary, Alberta, is a big leap.
I want to welcome David. His influence will be felt throughout our region, but most strongly at his new club, Calgary Gymnastics Centre. (Home gym of Adam Wong.)
David can be a harsh critic of inefficiencies in our amateur sport system and does not suffer fools gladly. If he could change only one thing in the Canadian model — it would be to add compulsories.
I appreciate David’s candour. With a wealth of international coaching experience, twice Olympic Coach, he knows of what he speaks. He is coach to Kate Richardson, Canada’s best ever Canadian female gymnast.
I enjoyed David’s recent bars clinic for age group gymnasts. Key points included:
I am pleasantly surprised that a philosopher coach like David Kenwright, who sees the big picture, still chooses to coach high performance gymnastics — a monumental, under-respected challenge. I wish him all the best. Everyone in our Province will benefit from his example.
For a sample of David’s coaching style, I edited video clips from his presentation on introducing backward giant swing. Of course he teaches it on a men’s bar with safety straps. Emphasis on shortening the body on the upswing to the “candle position”.
Click PLAY or watch the video on YouTube.
3 comments ↓
Are straps used for men? I tried learning giants as a 20 year old and found it rather frustrating. Had a fear factor, despite having good strength and flexability.
[...] Reading this post I was reminded of the philosophies of David Kenwright. [...]
Didnt get to say goodbye to David. Andrew and Tara
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