Name: Simona Celik
City: Davis, CA
Years Coaching: Since 2014
Background in Sports: Triathlon, Duathlon, Running, and Volleyball
Achievements:
2019 ITU Long Distance Duathlon Age Group World Champion, 2019 Santa Cruz Duathlon Champion, 2019 Orange County Duathlon Champion, 2019 Powerman Arizona Duathlon Champion, 2019 TBF New Year’s Duathlon Champion, 2013 City by the Lake Tri AG Champion, 2013 Toledo Marathon AG Champion and 2nd Overall Female, 2014 USA Triathlon National Championships, Boston Marathon Qualifier 2013, 2014, 2015, Slovenia Women’s National Volleyball Team 2004-2006.
Training Philosophy:
Achieving a goal and fulfilling your potential, mentally and physically, requires consistency, determination, hard work, sacrifice and pushing beyond physical boundaries.
What you like most about coaching?
It is the success of bringing together two of my great passions, sports and serving others, that keeps me challenged and motivated at the same time. I love hearing how others have adopted a healthier lifestyle and that they have started to feel like they are thriving rather than just surviving. And I have learned from my experience as an athlete that it takes a good coach to help someone realize their talent. I hope that my knowledge, enthusiasm and energy will allow me to help you discover you extraordinary and raise the bar.
Quote:
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” ~ Pele
Favorite Part of Sport:
Simona Celik was born and raised in Slovenia with passion for sports. Volleyball consumed her days, and she quickly progressed to more advanced competition. Upon focusing on her academic career and moving to Chicago in 2011, she discovered her love for running and triathlon. While she got into those sports almost by accident, she has put her heart and soul into testing her limits and showing that the bar can be raised. After successfully competing in many running and triathlon races, Simona’s love for training and spending time with her family outdoors brought her to beautiful Northern California. Being a part of the Breakaway Training family since 2013 has been one of Simona’s best experiences in her life. Never in her wildest dreams did she envision becoming 2019 Age Group World Champion in ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon when she once started her journey. While she is ranked 1st nationally and 9th best overall duathlete in the world, she now, more than ever, wants to seize this wonderful opportunity to inspire and encourage others to take up the sport and push the bar a little higher.
First Triathlon:
City by the Lake Tri 2013 (AG Champion)
First Marathon:
Chicago Marathon 2011
Certifications:
– RRCA Coaching Certification
– Safety Training for Swim Coaches Certification
– First Aid
– CPR Certification
Email me at simona.novinec@gmail.com.