Dani Samuels – Discus World Champion

I was so excited I excited
when I found out that Dani won, I jumped up and cheered. I was in the middle of
volleyball practice and everyone thought I was nuts until I explained my happiness.
I got to watch a strength training session with her and her coach Denis Knowles
and his son who designs her strength training program in 2007. What an
impressive athlete, with great coaching! Denis has a long term plan which is
certainly coming to fruition. She did not begin heavy traditional weight
training to any extent until 2008, instead building a good foundation of “functional
strength.” At that time she took gymnastics two days week including trampoline,
in addition she was a national class basketball player, in short a real
athlete. You take those qualities, couple that with great coaching and the
support structure at new South Wales Academy of sport and you have a world
champion. I think her best is still ahead. I first met her coach Denis  Knowles
in 1996, during my first trip to Australia. He is a tireless and learner and a
real gentlemen, always willing to share ideas. It is great to see someone like Denis
produce a champion at the highest level. Coaching does matter.