Alison O'Riordan reflects on guiding Taz and Ozzie to the Commonwealth Games

For coach Alison O'Riordan, seeing athletes Taz Nicholls and Ozi Nlewedum represent Team England at the Commonwealth Games was the culmination of years of hard work, resilience and trust.

As coach to two of England's seated throwers, Alison played a crucial role in preparing them for one of the biggest competitions of their careers, helping them develop physically, technically and mentally for the challenge ahead.

Building confidence through preparation

In the lead-up to the Games, preparation focused on getting the right balance between physical readiness and mental resilience. Alison told us:

"Every session had a purpose and was geared towards being ready for Glasgow. Physically, we focused on fitness, strength and technical consistency, making sure they could be proud of their performance."

Alongside the physical work, Alison worked closely with both athletes to build confidence and help them trust the work they had put in throughout the season. Creating a positive mindset was just as important as preparing physically.

"We talked a lot about staying focused on what they could control and not getting distracted by the size of the event. By the time we got to the Games, they knew they belonged there."

Overcoming challenges together

Like any journey to a major championship, the road to Glasgow wasn't without obstacles. But open communication and a shared commitment to long-term goals helped the team navigate difficult periods. Rather than allowing obstacles to derail progress, coach and athletes worked together to adapt their plans and maintain focus on their long-term goals.

"Injuries, setbacks, pressure and balancing training with everyday life can all test an athlete's resilience. Whenever things didn't go to plan, we adapted, kept moving forward and trusted what we were doing. Sometimes the biggest gains come from learning how to deal with adversity."

A proud Commonwealth Games moment

For Alison, one moment stands above all others.

"Without a doubt, seeing Taz and Ozi walk out as Team England athletes was incredibly special. You see all the hard work that happens behind the scenes, so watching them compete on such a big stage made me really proud. Being surrounded by world-class athletes and coaches while representing your country is something special."

Competing on a major international stage can be daunting, but Alison believes the work completed before the Games gave both athletes the confidence to perform. Having established strong routines throughout training, both athletes were able to focus on their own performances rather than the significance of the occasion.

"They'd put in the work and earned the right to be there, which gave them confidence. When athletes can stay calm, stick to their routines and trust their training, they're much more likely to perform at their best."

Lessons for fellow coaches

The experience reinforced some important coaching principles that Alison will carry forward. The experience highlighted the value of building genuine relationships with athletes and understanding what motivates each individual.

"One of the biggest lessons was that success isn't just about the training. The relationship between coach and athlete is just as important. Trust, honesty and understanding are huge factors in helping athletes perform at their best."

"Every athlete is different. The best coaches are the ones who can adapt their approach to bring out the best in each individual."

Looking Ahead

While the Commonwealth Games represented a major milestone, Alison sees it as another step on a longer journey for both herself and her athletes.

"For me, it's about continuing to grow as a coach and providing opportunities for athletes who want to achieve. This is particularly important for seated throwers, who often have fewer opportunities for coaching, facilities and competition."

As for Taz and Ozi, the focus is firmly on the future and building on the experience gained in Glasgow.

"Competing at a Games gives athletes so much experience and confidence, and both of them have the talent and drive to keep pushing towards even bigger goals."

For Alison, the Games were not only a celebration of achievement but also a reminder of the impact coaches can have in helping athletes believe in themselves, overcome adversity and reach the highest levels of the sport.

Inspired by Alison's journey? Have a look at the coaching qualifications available for you to start your own journey into coaching.