Tom Bosworth: Stepping across into the world of coaching
Tom Bosworth, one of the fastest race walkers in British history with a Commonwealth silver medal and two Olympic appearances to his name, has embarked on a new chapter. Following his retirement as a professional athlete in 2022, he now channels his renewed passion for race walking into nurturing the next generation. We caught up with him to discover more about his transition to coaching and his plans for the next few years.
Passing on his expertise to young athletes and coaches
“I knew there was a responsibility on my shoulders to support the event after it had given me so much. Plus, so few coaches and athletes in Great Britain have the experience I do now of progressing through the sport and what a top international race walker requires. I knew I had to help encourage young athletes to give it a go, as well as contribute back at an elite level if required.”
Tom considers working with the grassroots level just as important as supporting elite athletes. He is playing a key role in introducing children to the fundamentals of race walking, whilst also upskilling coaches to effectively support the development of local race walkers.
“I feel responsible to support athletes aiming for GB teams, but at the same time we need athletes at grass roots level to funnel through. Children often see a sport and want to give anything a go, that’s what I’m trying to encourage with race walking and it’s been so rewarding. I want to support new coaches and athletes.
“I’d be delighted if any coaches wanted to upskill to be able to do race walking at their club. The skills are similar to running coaching, it just requires learning how to coach the technique.”
Tom describes the most fulfilling part of introducing young people to race walking as:
“Seeing the reactions to their quick development. Because of the technique it can be quite challenging to start with, but as soon as it clicks you see quick improvement. It’s been wonderful seeing the numbers of race walkers grow in the North West where we started, however, it’s even better when they feel they’re mastering the technique and then getting the rewards on race day!”
Introducing race walking in local athletics clubs
With support from England Athletics, Tom has designed a programme where he directly engages with clubs, teaching them to core principles of race walking. He shares his expertise with both the athletes and coaches at the club in an engaging and fun environment. Tom’s involvement goes beyond this session to set up a competitive opportunity where they can put what they have learnt into practice.
“We reach out to clubs and suggest taking some of their young athletes for a race walk session. Go through some drills (which are beneficial for running too), then the technique with some relays and fun drills, finishing up with some reps.
“I often race against a few children, as they always want to run against me walking. It’s always good fun. I then do a follow up session, offer the coach some tips and coaching points for learning the technique. If we can, we then put on a 1km race walk at their local athletics meet following those sessions, so they have a race opportunity and it also provides a good way to reach more clubs. It’s always really well supported. I hope to grow these development 1km races as well.”
Tom’s ambitions for the future of British race walking
A passion for the sport drives Tom’s ambition to see it continue growing over the coming years. He aims to play an integral part of this development at an athlete, coach and club level.
“I hope I can continue my development of the event of race walking. I have a five year plan that includes increasing the number of coaches and clubs and by 2030 having a number of athletes qualifying for international age group champs. England Athletics have been particularly supportive of this. I hope I can continue working with them to support athletes through the development pathway as well as at entry points.
“I have lots of great plans, hopefully if I can achieve half of them, then race walking will be in a better place. I’m excited as to where we could go over the next few years, supporting athletes to walk faster than some can run, whilst creating Britain’s next international race walkers.”
Tom’s transition from elite athlete to coach marks an exciting new chapter for British race walking. Driven by a profound sense of responsibility and a genuine passion for the sport, he is helping to actively shape its future by nurturing young talent, empowering coaches, and fostering growth at a grassroot level.