Search
shop

Olympic medalist Katie Zaferes says strong relationship with coach key to her success

Katie Zaferes on the importance of her relationship with coach Joel Filliol.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

As most professional triathletes will admit, having a strong support network plays a key role in their success, with Olympic medalist Katie Zaferes no different in this regard.

Coached by triathlon legend Joel Filliol, who also mentors notable names such as Vincent Luis and Vasco Vilaca, Zaferes has been one of the most successful triathletes on the WTCS circuit in recent years.

On a recent episode of the Super League Triathlon interview series, Zaferes revealed what makes Filliol such a great coach and shared how the Canadian has played an integral part in her continued success.

“I’m grateful to have had this relationship”

In addition to her two medals from the Tokyo Olympic Games, Zaferes has also won a WTCS title and two Super League Triathlon series titles under the tutelage of Filliol.

Joel Filliol with athletes Katie Zaferes and Belle Geens.
Photo by Tommy Zaferes / ITU Media

One of the key ways that Zaferes says their relationship benefits her is the way Filliol balances things out, with the former Australian Olympic Programme Head Coach bringing a very measured presence to matters.

“I love that Joel is not reactive, […], having him being so even and supportive, is why I’m grateful to have had this relationship for quite a long time now.” 

This quality, which manifests itself at times where the stakes are at their highest, is what Zaferes says allows her to fully focus on the task at hand when the pressure is starting to build.

“He really understands me as a person”

Another quality that Filliol brings to the table according to Zaferes is his knowledge of her as a person, not just as an athlete. This, she says, is one of the most reassuring aspects of their relationship.

“Just to have him knowing what I need and supporting me, he really understands me as a person and knows how to help me under all the different conditions [in the sport].” 

When times are tough, the American can rest assured that not only does she have one of the most knowledgeable people in the sport on hand, but that it is also someone who is cognizant of her thoughts and feelings.

“To have a coach who can take you from really unsavoury circumstances to put you in the right physical and mental frame of mind to do your best is really good.” 

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
PremiumExpert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
Matt Hauser Linn Jeffcoat Willian Australia win Mixed Relay WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 Mixed Relay World Championship: Hauser anchors Australia to glory
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 women’s results: Kat Matthews a class apart
Harry Palmer wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 men’s results: Britain’s Harry Palmer defends title in style
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...