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 Gabriel Medina, John John Florence, Liam O'Brien, Yago Dora, Italo Ferreira, Carissa Moore, Griffin Colapinto, Tatiana
Pinkerton and Mesinas Kickstart 2024/2025 Season with 3,000 Points, Early Rankings Lead, Valuable Runner-up Finishes for Andino and
The former CT elite flexed his world-class form to deliver a near-perfect 9.33 via a massive air-reverse and post a 17.00 heat total to
The former Championship Tour (CT) star Kolohe Andino pulled out his experience and overturned the Quarterfinal bout with Costa Rican
McCaffray's Maiden QS Win Realized in Commanding Fashion, Slawson's Outstanding Showcase Takes Him to the Top of the Podium, Notable
News
With surfing making its return to the Olympic stage this year in Paris, the WSL and NBC Sports have partnered on a new series that will
The full heat replay of Jack Robinson fighting back against the certified boogeyman Gabriel Median til the dying minutes at the End of the
Ronnie, Flick, and Richie break down the latest rankings shake-ups as Jack Robinson wins another CT at home and Gabriela Bryan breaks
With surfing making its return to the Olympic stage this year in Paris, the WSL and NBC Sports have partnered on a new series that will
Evento, que tem como principal objetivo descobrir novos talentos para o surfe brasileiro, chega à terceira de cinco etapas em 2024 e