Coaching Team
Meet our Coaches, Activators & Leaders
Claire Gray - Head Coach & Club Secretary
British Triathlon Level 2 Coach, British Triathlon Group Coach
Claire completed her first triathlon in 1986 and has been involved in the sport ever since — from elite racing to coaching athletes of all abilities. She has represented both Wales and Great Britain at World and European Championships, competed at the 1990 Commonwealth Games (triathlon demonstration event), and has numerous national titles to her name.
Although now training and racing at a steadier pace, Claire brings decades of experience across triathlon, cross country, cyclocross, and endurance events. She remains passionate about helping athletes enjoy the sport, progress steadily, and build confidence.
Coaching approach: Focused on the long game - consistency, patience and learning from every session. Claire encourages athletes to set meaningful goals, train smart and enjoy the journey.
Emily Jacabs - Club Chair
British Triathlon Bike and Run Activator
Emily has been part of Mendip Triathlon Club for several years and brings energy, enthusiasm and a deep love of swim–bike–run to her coaching. With experience across sprint to middle-distance racing, she enjoys supporting both new and developing athletes as they gain confidence and progress through the sport.
She is a strong advocate for inclusive, supportive training environments and loves helping people achieve milestones they once thought impossible.
Coaching approach: Positive, encouraging, and athlete-centred — helping people build skills, belief, and enjoyment in every discipline.
Emily Jacabs - Club Chair
British Triathlon Bike and Run Activator
Emily has been part of Mendip Triathlon Club for several years and brings energy, enthusiasm and a deep love of swim–bike–run to her coaching. With experience across sprint to middle-distance racing, she enjoys supporting both new and developing athletes as they gain confidence and progress through the sport.
She is a strong advocate for inclusive, supportive training environments and loves helping people achieve milestones they once thought impossible.
Coaching approach: Positive, encouraging, and athlete-centred — helping people build skills, belief, and enjoyment in every discipline.
Tom Wren
British Triathlon Level 1 Triathlon Coach, Bike & Run Activator
Tom comes from a strong cycling background, having raced mountain bikes as a teenager before moving into sportives and endurance events. He has completed RideLondon (4:38), the Rat Race Coast to Coast (12:12), the Grizzly (3:13), multiple half marathons (PB 1:31), several half-distance triathlons and two full-distance triathlons, with a best time of 10:53.
Most recently, Tom was selected for the GB Age-Group team for the 2026 European Cross Duathlon Championships, recognising his commitment to off-road multisport.
Coaching approach: Supportive, practical, and experience-driven — helping athletes develop confidence across all disciplines, particularly improving bike handling and off-road skills.
Matt Baker
Swim Bike Run Leader (British Triathlon)
Matt has been racing triathlon for more than 10 years and is most at home at the 70.3 distance. Outside of triathlon season, he’s a keen trail ultra runner and mountain biker, enjoying the variety and endurance these sports bring.
He loves being part of the Mendip Triathlon Club community and supporting sessions across swim, bike and run. Helping members access great facilities and inclusive training opportunities is one of his favourite parts of the role.
Coaching approach: Friendly, encouraging and inclusive — focused on helping members build confidence and enjoy training as part of a supportive club environment.
Matt Baker
Swim Bike Run Leader (British Triathlon)
Matt has been racing triathlon for more than 10 years and is most at home at the 70.3 distance. Outside of triathlon season, he’s a keen trail ultra runner and mountain biker, enjoying the variety and endurance these sports bring.
He loves being part of the Mendip Triathlon Club community and supporting sessions across swim, bike and run. Helping members access great facilities and inclusive training opportunities is one of his favourite parts of the role.
Coaching approach: Friendly, encouraging and inclusive — focused on helping members build confidence and enjoy training as part of a supportive club environment.
