What coaching style brings out your personal best?
We look at how Canada’s Ultimate Challenge coaches helped their teams win
CBC's newest reality competition show, Canada's Ultimate Challenge, gives 24 Canadians the opportunity to compete in physical match-ups around the country.
Players faced extreme challenges they weren't always confident with, but they could always rely on the support of their coaches to back them up. And who were these coaches? Six extraordinary athletes, each one an example of excellence in their sport, with their own distinct coaching styles that have left an indelible mark on the competitors.
Whose coaching style do you think would bring out your personal best?
Clara Hughes: 'Do the work within'
Coach Clara is a six-time Olympic medallist in cycling AND speed skating.
She's also a mental health advocate and the founding spokesperson for the "Let's Talk" initiative. "Winning is fun and I won the Olympics," said Coach Clara, "but I want my team to show Canada what it's like to support, to accept and nurture, no matter the result."
"Clara… She just appreciates us for who we are and I am so grateful to just be in her presence and have her as a coach," said Team Blue player Zalie Tshuma.
In the video below, she shares some wise words with her player Mitchell Wendland when he couldn't climb a wall in the series' very first challenge.
The best coaching advice she's ever received? "Do the work within and then all the good things will come." Coach Clara left the competition early, but not before reminding everyone to prioritize their mental health.
Jen Kish: 'The perfect balance between tough and kind'
As former Rugby 7s team captain, Coach Kish is used to working with teammates. But for this Olympic and Pan-Am Games medallist, coaching four complete strangers was new territory.
Which meant she needed to be open to these new players, each with their different skills and strengths, while showing off her tough side during the competition.
"She is awesome, she was the perfect balance between tough and kind and I think she was my perfect match for a coach, I love her so much." said Team Teal player Rachel Spurling.
Luke Willson: 'A coach that screams in my ear'
As an NFL Super Bowl Champion, Luke was taught that winning is a byproduct of team culture. And by mid-season, he wasn't holding anything back.
"I prefer a coach that screams in my ear. I love Luke for that. He is a football player. He knows how to kill it and that is exactly what I need to have," said Team Black player Vinny Rojas.
Coach Luke expects his team to give it their all, every challenge.
Waneek Horn Miller: 'Live in the moment. Own that moment.'
Coach Waneek is an gold-medal-winning water polo player — a team sport that involves the fundamentals of swimming, soccer and rugby. She came into the competition ready to inspire her team to fight until the bitter end and show us their warrior side.
It wasn't a clear path to victory for Coach Waneek, who initially coached Team Yellow, the first team to be eliminated from competition.
She returned as a replacement for coach Team Blue – eager to get back into competition and take her new team to the top.
When asked about the best coaching advice she'd ever received, Coach Waneek answered: "Living in the moment. Own that moment, tap into the energy of that moment."
Donovan Bailey: 'This is about you and the work you put in'
Coach Donovan had his work cut out for him when coaching players with very strong personalities. But that's nothing new to the gold medallist and track icon who was anchor of the Canadian men's relay team — a role that involved managing multiple personalities.
And the surprise player swap challenged team chemistry.
But Coach Donovan handled it in stride, inspiring his team to push themselves.
When asked what lessons he's learned as a decorated athlete, Coach Donovan says to obsess less about the competition and more on your own performance. "Be prepared. This is about you and the work you put in."
Gilmore Junio: 'Give your best, get your best'
A three-time Olympic speedskater, Coach Gilmore's calm and calculated manner kept Team Orange near the top of the leaderboard throughout the game.
"I thought if I let my actions speak louder than my words, once you start winning so much, that's when people start to take notice. I'm a big believer that if you give your best, you'll get your best," said Coach Gil.
As a team, he and his players have a real shot of winning the ultimate prize.
Whose coaching style best suits your personality?
Watch Canada's Ultimate Challenge on CBC Gem