Mike Botha of Invicta Athletics Club
Mike is a veteran of both the Zimbabwe & British army who serves 22 yrs and left as a Senior NCO. He volunteers four evenings a week to coach young people as well as his role as an athletics official for Kent County Athletics Association.
Mike is passionate about learning and passing these to his athletes. He has coached athletes abroad and compares & contrasts learning styles & techniques. Mike scours the whole athletic & fitness arena for new methods & takes these back to his athletes, putting into practice what he has learned.
An example being is his use of dynamic power exercises for athletes to work on developing the muscles for explosive exercises such as shot put and hammer throw.
His work with athletes has improved performance & reduced injuries, leading to success in competitions and in turn confidence/ well-being.
Mike is a volunteer & receives no funding or support. This has created a challenge for him as this is his passion. He’s rebalanced his finances, taking on extra hours to fund his ability to pay for fuel & food while he travels.
It’s commendable and is a classic Mike approach – to overcome and adapt rather than do less.
Mike is a keen supporter of young people who want to be the best they can be. He takes time out for others and gets genuine pleasure from helping others. He works closely with athletes, families & guardians to bring a holistic approach to support. He has only recently applied for his veteran’s card as he puts others before himself. He is a great example of the positive mindset fostered by our military & is a great ambassador for the veteran community across Kent.
