NICKI ATKINSON
Paoli PA
Location
Languages
Pricing
Race Distances
Athlete Types
Swim
Bike
Run
Nutrition
Certifications
ESCI Level 1
Coach Mastermind Group
TriDot Pool SchoolAbout
I’m a lifelong swimmer, triathlete, coach, and occasional overthinker who genuinely loves helping people discover what they’re capable of. I’ve spent decades in the endurance world, both competing and coaching, and I believe the best training plans are the ones that work with your life, not against it. My goal is to help athletes become stronger, more confident, and more connected to their bodies while still enjoying the process.
Philosophy
I believe coaching is about more than prescribing workouts. It’s about understanding the athlete in front of me, finding the right balance between challenge and recovery, and teaching athletes to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. I focus on building sustainable fitness, developing body awareness, and creating confidence through consistency. There’s always a place for hard work, but there should also be room for real life, a little humor, and remembering that we’re doing this because we love it.
Credentials
ESCI - Level 1 TriDot Pool School USA Triathlon - Level 1 Coach UESCA Triathlon Coach Personal Trainer Ellis Lifeguarding CPR, First Aid, Oxygen certified
Accomplishments
• Lifelong competitive triathlete with extensive racing experience • 25+ years of coaching experience • 30+ years of swim instruction and athlete development • Experience coaching athletes across a wide range of abilities and goals • Extensive experience in endurance training, technique development, and race preparation • Passionate about helping athletes achieve goals they once thought were out of reach
Experience
I have more than 25 years of coaching experience and more than 30 years of experience teaching swimming to athletes of all ages and abilities. My coaching background spans swimming, cycling, running, and triathlon, with an emphasis on developing well-rounded athletes rather than simply chasing faster splits. I’ve worked with athletes pursuing everything from their first race to ambitious performance goals, and I particularly enjoy helping athletes understand their bodies, build confidence, and make training fit into the rest of their lives.