Sam Spong Griffiths

Sporting career:

2012 - Buffalo City 70.3 - 2nd age group 35-39

2011 – PE Ironman – 2nd age group 35-39; 14th lady overall; Qualification for Ironman world championships Kona, Hawaii; Finish time 10h17 

2011 – Buffalo City 70.3 – 1st age group 35-39; Qualification for 70.3 world championships Las Vegas 

2010 – PE Ironman 2nd age group 35-39; Qualification for Ironman world championships Kona, Hawaii

2003 – World ITU Duathlon championships Affoltern, Switzerland – 7th age group 25-29

2002 - All Africa Triathlon champs – Mauritius – 3rd Elite

2001 – World ITU Triathlon championships, Edmonton, Canada – top 20 age group 25-29

Won overall age group Nationals in 2001 qualifying for World Championships Canada 2001

2000 to 2003 - 5fm Energade sprint triathlon series – 3 years top 3 podium overall. Multiple wins in the series.
 

Testimonials:

Anita Kaumpek

I had this crazy idea that I wanted to be challenged and to be pushed out of my comfort zone so I decided to make a change from doing CrossFit competitively to doing a full Ironman. Because I had absolutely ZERO experience in any of the disciplines, except running, 6 years prior, I decided I needed a coach. I found MTD and from my very first email to them my experience with the MTD team and especially Sam has been nothing short of amazing. The whole team have been so friendly and supportive. Sam, where do I start with her…. Without her I would be nowhere, physically, mentally and emotionally. Sam is one of the most positive persons I have ever met and has this ability to truly connect with her athletes and understand their needs and personal goals and life circumstances and schedule the training accordingly. Sam has driven behind us for 5 hour rides, she has been there to support us in our races, she has literally been there every step of the way. Her knowledge of the sport and her inspiration and motivation is unwavering. Plainly put, Sam is an OUTSTANDING coach and I would highly recommend her to anyone and everyone, beginner to elite athlete. I couldn’t speak higher of her knowledge and her genuine care for each and every athlete she coaches.

 

Shea Karssing

From not having ridden a bike since I was a kid, never having swum a length of 25m, Sam got me to the finish of my first full Ironman! I would never have managed without her experience in building up my fitness and my confidence. 

 There was a spanner in the works when Ironman was postponed three times due to COVID, and I eventually gave up... then decided to finally do it with not much time to train! Despite the challenges, Sam managed to balance getting me adequately trained (without being over-trained) in a relatively short space of time. 

 Aside from being a brilliant, *tough*, and experienced coach, Sam also has a kind and positive demeanour that is so reassuring and instils confidence. She goes the extra mile with check-in calls, in-person support, and genuine care for her athletes.

Thank you, Sam!