This story was originally published by The Inertia
Brett Simpson, the only men's surfer to ever win back-to-back U.S. Open titles, was unanimously voted the head coach of the first-ever U.S. Olympic Surf team that will compete in the 2020 (now 2021) Tokyo Games.
The team of Carissa Moore, Caroline Marks, Kolohe Andino and John John Florence voted Simpson into his new title on Friday, along with the USA Surfing Advisory Committee.
The original Olympic Opening Ceremony was supposed to be only ten days away; however, the Coronavirus has moved the games back to 2021.
"I'm really focused on learning about each individual more and what works best for them," Simpson told The Inertia. "Also building the Olympic chemistry between the team because we will be together for possibly two-plus weeks."
The recent runner-up in Pismo Beach and veteran talent continues to showcase, and be a role model for his students.
Simpson and the team haven't wasted any time despite current events and travel restrictions. "We've been in contact on Zoom and coming up with some ways to keep connected while travel has been cut off. They all have been surfing a lot and are in this position for a reason - they are some of the most committed and talented athletes in the world."
Since each surfer has teams they work with regularly, Simpson has said that his coaching role will focus more on mindset, rather than mechanics. "As an athlete myself I've realized how much mindset plays a role in the outcome of everything. I will critique certain things, but I'm not worried about their ability. When it comes to performing on the highest stage, it's the mindset that's gonna be the difference for who wins gold."
Simpson previously served as the U.S. junior national team coach at USA Surfing, leading the team to gold last year and was of course a mainstay on the Championship Tour for nearly a decade.
For now, Simpson just wants to keep the team connected with the 12-month delay ahead. "We have a few things lined up for the next few months once we can get the okay," he said. "BSR wave park, training in SoCal, and a possible Japan trip."
Brett Simpson Talks About Coaching A National Team In The Time Of COVID
Carly Long
This story was originally published by The Inertia
Brett Simpson, the only men's surfer to ever win back-to-back U.S. Open titles, was unanimously voted the head coach of the first-ever U.S. Olympic Surf team that will compete in the 2020 (now 2021) Tokyo Games.
The team of Carissa Moore, Caroline Marks, Kolohe Andino and John John Florence voted Simpson into his new title on Friday, along with the USA Surfing Advisory Committee.
The original Olympic Opening Ceremony was supposed to be only ten days away; however, the Coronavirus has moved the games back to 2021.
"I'm really focused on learning about each individual more and what works best for them," Simpson told The Inertia. "Also building the Olympic chemistry between the team because we will be together for possibly two-plus weeks."
Simpson and the team haven't wasted any time despite current events and travel restrictions. "We've been in contact on Zoom and coming up with some ways to keep connected while travel has been cut off. They all have been surfing a lot and are in this position for a reason - they are some of the most committed and talented athletes in the world."
Since each surfer has teams they work with regularly, Simpson has said that his coaching role will focus more on mindset, rather than mechanics. "As an athlete myself I've realized how much mindset plays a role in the outcome of everything. I will critique certain things, but I'm not worried about their ability. When it comes to performing on the highest stage, it's the mindset that's gonna be the difference for who wins gold."
Simpson previously served as the U.S. junior national team coach at USA Surfing, leading the team to gold last year and was of course a mainstay on the Championship Tour for nearly a decade.
For now, Simpson just wants to keep the team connected with the 12-month delay ahead. "We have a few things lined up for the next few months once we can get the okay," he said. "BSR wave park, training in SoCal, and a possible Japan trip."
Kolohe Andino
Featuring John John Florence, Jack Robinson, Kolohe Andino, Filipe Toledo, Stephanie Gilmore, Ryan Callinan, Jeremy Flores, Italo Ferreira,
One of the heats of the event unfolded with Kolohe Andino and Luke Guinaldo advancing past Michael Dunphy and 2023 WSL World Junior Champ.
The first event of North America's 2025/2026 season is heavily stacked and ready to do battle in Huntington Beach's arena on April 3 - 6.
The Challenger Series qualification endgame is here. See who's Soup Bowl bound for their bid.
Featuring Callum Robson, Griffin Colapinto, Adriano de Souza, Italo Ferreira, Gabriel Medina, João Chianca, Carissa Moore, Leonardo
News
Day 1 sees the Men's QS and LQS Opening Rounds take to the water
Community Unites to Restore Margaret River Coastline
WSL Survey Sweepstakes
11-time World Champion Kelly Slater Returns to Compete as Event Wildcard at Lowers