When a coach is on an escort boat, their communication skills and navigational judgment are critical to a marathon swimmer’s success.

There is a rare couple who work extraordinarily well together – Diego Tricarico and Pilar Geijo.

Pilar is the dominant ultra-marathon swimmer on the FINA Grand Prix circuit is very skillfully supported by her husband, Diego Tricarico, who is also her coach.

“He knows me. He loves me. He knows what I want and I need,” says Pilar. “I always want to give her the truth. She needs to know exactly what is happening during the race and on the water,” he explained in response.

He rarely sits down during her races and is always vigilant. He watches her rivals and the dynamic conditions out on the water. He frequently gives hand signals and writes succinct messages on a white board.

Not only is the communication exact and informative, but it is always gentle when necessary and honest as required.

Gentle, truthful, caring and loving. Exactly how a husband-and-wife should be and ideally how they should interact – both on land and out in the water.


Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source