Coach David
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Twitter: David_Hopton
Current Residence: Ancaster, ON Education: BSc in Kinesiology with Honours, NCCP Triathlon Community Coach Occupation: LPC Coach, Hamilton Hammerheads Head Coach, Professional Triathlete |
Triathlon has been a part of Coach David's life since 2000 when he saw Canadian Simon Whitfield win gold at the Sydney Olympics. He participated in his first triathlon the next year, and completely immersed himself in the sport of triathlon beginning in 2005. In 2010, he began training with the C3 High Performance squad while pursuing his Honours Kinesiology Degree at McMaster University. Several memorable career highlights are during this period, such as getting to train with hardworking athletes, who later became triathlon stars, such as Lionel Sanders and Olympian Andrew Yorke. Also, getting to train with Simon Whitfield when he came to Hamilton for a training block building up to the London Olympics was an amazing opportunity for David, as he got to train alongside the man who got him into the sport that has given him so much.
David trained at a high level as part of the LPC Hurdle Project Team from 2015-2018, and has raced in ITU events and other non-drafting pro races all across North America. In December 2013, the then current Head Coach of the Hamilton Hammerheads, Lionel Sanders, asked David if he would like to start coaching with the team, as he was looking to start his pro career full-time. David jumped at the opportunity and has been the Head Coach of the team since January, 2014.
When the Hammerheads Team partnered with the Fighting Koalas Triathlon Club in the Fall of 2015, it helped David gain valuable experience coaching athletes of all ages and abilities. Additionally, David is now offering online personalized coaching for Loaring Personal Coaching (LPC), and is thrilled to have the opportunity to coach triathletes and runners of all ages and abilities as a full-time passion and career.
David trained at a high level as part of the LPC Hurdle Project Team from 2015-2018, and has raced in ITU events and other non-drafting pro races all across North America. In December 2013, the then current Head Coach of the Hamilton Hammerheads, Lionel Sanders, asked David if he would like to start coaching with the team, as he was looking to start his pro career full-time. David jumped at the opportunity and has been the Head Coach of the team since January, 2014.
When the Hammerheads Team partnered with the Fighting Koalas Triathlon Club in the Fall of 2015, it helped David gain valuable experience coaching athletes of all ages and abilities. Additionally, David is now offering online personalized coaching for Loaring Personal Coaching (LPC), and is thrilled to have the opportunity to coach triathletes and runners of all ages and abilities as a full-time passion and career.
Accomplishments:
Notable Personal Triathlon Accomplishments:
Coached Athletes Triathlon Accomplishments:
- BSc Honours in Kinesiology from McMaster University
- NCCP Level 1 Certified Coach
- LPC Hurdle Project Athlete from 2015-2018
- C3 High-performance Athlete from 2011-2015
- Head Coach of Hamilton Hammerheads Triathlon Team since 2014
Notable Personal Triathlon Accomplishments:
- Raced Elite/Pro from 2012-2018
- Bronze Medal at the 2010 World Championships 18-19 AG Olympic Distance Tri
- Cornwall Sprint Triathlon 3-time winner 2016-2018
- Won Pro Division at Welland LC 2018
- Member of three AG National Teams in 2010, 2014, 2015
Coached Athletes Triathlon Accomplishments:
- Ontario Junior Cup (2019: 2xGold, 2018:Silver)
- Ontario Youth Cup (2019: Gold, 2xSilver, 2018: Gold, Silver, Bronze - 2017: Gold, Silver)
- Ontario U23/Elite Cup (2019: Silver)
- Ontario DL Provincials for 14-15/Junior: (2019: 2xGold, 3xSilver 2018: Gold, Bronze, 2017: 2xBronze)
- Ontario Summer Games 2018 (Boy's: Gold, Bronze - Girl's: Silver)
- Canada Summer Games (Male Relay Silver)
- Numerous AG Worlds Qualifiers
- OFSAA Cross Country (multiple top 20 finishes)
- OFSAA MTB (Gold)
- OFSAA XC-Ski (Bronze)
