Grant Giles
Athletes · In their words

In their words.

From a first sprint triathlon at Robina to the start line in Kona. Each of them wrote their own story. These are the parts that stayed with me.

31
Ironmans, two at Kona
David Arnold
7th
Ironman debut, Canada
Eric Lauricella
Sub-5
Hours at 70.3
Campbell Wallace
120kg
To Ironman finisher
David Bones
David Arnold in an Ironman cap with his 1st place 55-59 trophy from Ironman 70.3 Cairns

Age group 60–64 · 31 Ironmans · 2 Konas

David Arnold

“Grant taught me that mental toughness is not about being brash or overly aggressive, but about a soft, gentle process of awareness and acceptance.”
Came to Grant
“Just an average guy seeking fitness and a new challenge.”
What changed
The mental side. On a half Ironman he nearly quit, he remembered acceptance and kept going.
Result
3rd place in an Ironman. Qualified for Kona.

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“Grant was the most influential coach I ever had.” Clayton Fettell · Professional triathlete · Aeromax
More stories

Elite and everyday. Same conversations.

Eric Lauricella in aero position on a time-trial bike on a lakeside road

Professional · San Francisco

Eric Lauricella

“Grant, everything you said worked exactly how you said it would. I followed the mental prep every other day and came 7th in my first Ironman in Canada.”
Came to Grant
The full distance had terrified him since he started the sport.
What changed
Six weeks out, mental prep every other day.
Result
7th on his Ironman debut, in Canada.

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Black-and-white shot of David Bones riding a time-trial bike along a waterfront road

Age group · Ironman finisher

David Bones

“His guidance was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle, bringing clarity and focus to my scattered efforts.”
Came to Grant
120kg, with a new business and a young family.
What changed
One-to-one coaching, and learning to stay present.
Result
His first Ironman. A marathon PB at Cairns.

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Clayton Fettell in sunglasses and a red and black team T-shirt standing on a motion-blurred road

Professional · Aeromax

Clayton Fettell

“I didn't really have all that much success until I opened up about my own struggles with him.”
Came to Grant
A period of uncertainty in professional sport.
What changed
A coach he could tell about his first panic attack.
Result
Part of the Aeromax team that dominated races across Australia.

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Runner passing a turreted yellow mansion on a barriered Ironman race course

Age group 40–44 · Portugal

Fabio Vaz Fernandes Goncalves

“Having a coach was crucial. There were times I doubted the process and would have given up if I were alone.”
Came to Grant
No athletic background. He started with 20-minute runs.
What changed
A coach to lean on when he doubted the process.
Result
Ironman World Championship, 2016 and 2022.

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Campbell Wallace riding a road bike around a coastal bend past a small white lighthouse

Age group · 70.3

Campbell Wallace

“That day, as I crossed the finish line, it wasn't just about the time on the clock. It was a testament to the journey Grant and I had embarked on together.”
Came to Grant
Raw enthusiasm and unstructured effort.
What changed
Structure, with the mental strategy built in.
Result
Broke five hours at 70.3.

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