In a lecture given by Danièle Sauvageau a few years ago, this leading figure in Montreal and Canadian sports explained a truth that is all too often overlooked… Where does the concept of a “coach” come from? This term, borrowed from English, is now widely used in the French-speaking world and is always associated with the sports world. It refers to the person tasked with leading a team, athletes, or a group. It is a truly special role—that of supporting anyone who aspires to push their limits, limits that are sometimes even unknown to them. These limits become goals that are achieved in stages, gradually, patiently. The coach dissects, analyzes, measures, and directs. The coach listens, listens, and listens. They explain, describe, assist, reflect, push, or hold back at times. They moderate or encourage depending on the moment. Of course, there will be pivotal moments that propel athletes forward and make them fully realize the value of the hours spent repeating and rehearsing movements, strategies, and techniques. There will also be moments of fatigue, discouragement, and exhaustion when one teeters on the brink of giving up and doubts begin to creep in. It is then that the coach plays their primary role… “What is the goal?”
That is precisely what the “coach of coaches”—as Ms. Sauvageau is known—so aptly pointed out. The term “coach” comes from the concept of a carriage, a means of transportation to get from point A to point B, quite simply… It is the means used to reach one’s destination. Of course, the concept of coaching has evolved over time. Sports science is now here to better support the development of athletic training.
There is even talk of an “ESI” approach, which stands for “Integrated Support Team.” Nutritionists, kinesiologists, psychologists, therapists, and physical therapists are just a few of the support professionals who always place the athlete at the center of this approach. However, the cornerstone of all the support provided to the athlete lies in the fundamental role of the coach. It is the coach who, together with the athlete, sets the destination—the point B toward which they are heading.
The deeply emotional moments we’ve had the privilege of witnessing over the past few weeks during the Olympic and Paralympic Games have very often involved athletes and coaches. Those specific moments when an athlete runs toward their coach to throw their arms around them at the end of their performance. There are also those other moments when an athlete needs emotional support after falling short of their goal despite all their efforts. These specific moments speak for themselves. There is the athlete and their coach.
As September begins, we are just a few days away from National Coaches Week. To all those who devote countless hours to honing their skills so they can support, to the best of their ability, the athletes we love so much,
THANK YOU, COACH! Thank you for being here—sports and our athletes need you to keep growing and to continue giving us such wonderful moments.
