Our Leaders

The workouts, information, direction and guidance are produced by a specialist team that includes PhD, Masters and Bachelor degree Sports Science, Biomechanist and Nutritional specialists.

The key people listed below bring together a level of practical experience, knowledge and skill focused solely on providing your targeted benefits.

These relevant specialists are also the key people who review, coordinate and answer your questions at the Information Gateways.

Physical Conditioning and Training Systems

Dr John Williams: Bachelor Applied Science, Master Sport Science, PhD Sport Science; Dip Eng (Civil)

John is a sports scientist with the Australian Institute of Sport and has managed the AIS sports science and sports medicine research program since 1995. His bachelor's degree majored in both sports coaching and exercise physiology and his Master's degree is in exercise physiology, prior to completing his Sports Science PhD.

He leads our physical conditioning and training systems. He also coordinates with other Leaders to provide you with relevant information and activities.

Dr Conny Draper: PhD Biomechanics

Dr Conny Draper Conny holds a PhD in Biomechanics and has 12 years of experience as a Sports Biomechanist specialising in Rowing, Slalom Canoeing/ Sprint Kayaking, Swimming.

Conny introduced the instrumented paddle shafts and implemented on-water biomechanics to the Australian Slalom Canoeing Team for training and racing.

Currently she is working with the company Talon (developer of the instrumented Dragon boat paddle Excalibur) to find a similar solution for Dragon Boat racing.

Her experience also extends to working with the AIS, the NSW Institute of Sport and with the national Rowing and National Slalom Canoe squads for the last 5 years.

Internationally she has worked with the FIFA research group in Zurich for 2 years as well as a post-doc researcher at the Hamburg University for 1 year.

Conny is one of the most qualified people globally in the area of paddling stroke technique analysis and its affect on performance.

Her interaction with Dr John Williams provides a level of expertise which is unique to the Dragon Boat Performance system.

Jonathan Rea: Bachelor of Physical Education (Exercise and Sport Science), Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition), Post-graduate Diploma in Dietetics.

Jonathan is currently studying towards a Masters of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) as well as being a registered Sports/Clinical Dietitian.

Holding dual degrees in Exercise/Sport Science and Nutrition Jonny plays a vital role in the development of information and training programs that will allow you to obtain your desired benefits.

 

 

Sports Performance and Competitive Understanding

Graham Windeatt:

Graham is the Founder of Life Advantage. From a swimming background Graham is a dual Olympian, World Record Holder, Olympic Silver Medallist and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist, World Swimming Championship finalist, National Surf Champion and Iron Man distance Triathlon competitor.

He has a comprehensive firsthand practical knowledge of conditioning and training systems as they apply to sports performance as well as for the need to establish sound technique and skill development.

His experience includes being involved in the sports science evolution that shifted from general conditioning to the training of the energy systems required by the sport and its events, as well as working with many of the world's best coaches conducting coaching clinics internationally.

The drive for founding this Performance System came from Graham recognising the need to provide cutting edge and best practice training system information that is resident in the sports research community and make that available to all that wish to participate.

Manuela Berchtold:

Manuela holds Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness and has held personal trainer and group exercise instructor qualifications for 13 years.

Manuela is the NSW Institute of Sport strength and conditioning coach for winter sports.

From a skiing background Manuela is a dual Winter Olympian, dual Junior World Champion in moguls & 3 times World Championship Team member.

Nutrition & Healthy Weight

Susan Williams: Master Applied Science Food and Nutrition, Master Nutrition & Dietetics

Susan is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). She completed the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics at Sydney University and her Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics qualifications at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

Susan has a broad level of experience applying her degrees in Private Practice as well as in the food and pharmaceutical industries. With an emphasis on practical experience Susan specialises in weight management related to Diabetes, Heart Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Insulin Resistance.

She also has a particular interest in child nutrition, specifically overweight and obesity.

Focusing on the impact of an individual's thoughts and beliefs on successful behaviour change in weight management, Susan is passionate about helping people improve their relationship with food, eating and their bodies.

Sports Nutrition

Colleen Condon: Bachelor of Pharmacy, Post-graduate Diploma of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sports Dietitians Australia graduate and Member

Colleen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Sports Dietitian and Pharmacist and has broad experience as a Dietitian in research, community and hospital settings as well as having been a community and hospital pharmacist. She has also lectured for Sports Dietitians Australia.

Nutrition requirements for exercise and sport have over recent times become increasingly important. Colleen's experience and role is invaluable to our Leader mix.

The information and advice available via the Sports Nutrition Gateway will ensure you have the energy to exercise, even when weight loss is your goal as well as the proper nutrition required for training and competition if optimum sports performance is your aim.