Meet Coach Giannis Psarelis

How Giannis Psarelis Turned His Journey Into a Coaching Revolution

What does it take to push an athlete beyond their perceived limits? Giannis Psarelis, Head Coach of Dave Scott Training, has spent countless years figuring it out. If you’ve tackled the grueling triathlon, you’re familiar with the perseverance, grit, and euphoria that come with crossing the finish line. These are all hallmarks of a great victory. But while triathletes bask in the exuberance and glory, it’s easy to overlook the unsung masterminds behind the scenes – the coaches.

Let’s delve into Giannis and his journey that pushed him to become one of the most prestigious coaches for triathletes starting back in 1991. Imagine a young cyclist battling the wind and the sun against the blue hues of Greece, constantly striving to improve their technique and shave seconds off their time. But there was one jarring problem: the coaching was dissatisfying. This frustration sparked Giannis's deep desire to guide athletes on the right path.

Building on this determination, Giannis went on to become the Sports Director of the Sports Excellence High-Performance Center, where he oversaw 16 national teams, providing them with the opportunity to soar and achieve unprecedented success. His coaching philosophy, continuously evolving over the past 35 years, is built on the bedrock of focusing on each athlete’s unique goals and needs.

Fast forward 4 years ago, Giannis was presented with an incredible opportunity to overhaul his coaching. He began working closely with the legendary Dave Scott, the first triathlete to ever win the Ironman World Championship 6 times, and two years ago, transitioned to the role of Head Coach of the Dave Scott Performance Team. Giannis is also the Head Coach of the Athens Triathlon Team.

Success to Giannis isn't defined solely by performance. Drawing from his own experience, he believes that a firm foundation of mental and physical well-being, extending beyond the race course, is the true vessel towards long-term success. “As an athlete, I struggled to reach my full potential due to persistent injuries," Giannis explained. "These experiences profoundly shaped my coaching philosophy: 'Avoid injuries at all costs.’”

Now at 55, Giannis offers a revolutionary experience to every athlete. With over 35 years of coaching, including 15 years full-time and 15,000+ hours of in-person coaching, he combines scientific expertise with a deep understanding of athlete psychology. His academic background, encompassing sports science, management, and communication, further enriches his holistic approach to coaching.