Carol celebrates with one of her winning teams
Meet Carol Austin – Age: 40 Stomping ground: New York City and Johannesburg, South Africa Job: Elite cycling coach
Carol Austin, MD, found a way to integrate two things she loves: endurance sports and science. She stepped away from a career as a medical doctor in 2004 to open and operate Activeworx, a professional coaching service that uses science-based methodology and state-of-the-art training technology to give elite-level athletes a performance-enhancing boost. She’s the head coach for South Africa’s largest professional racing team, Team MTN Energade, and she worked with six cyclists and triathletes who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While Carol still rides, she claims that it’s just for fun. “I put my time and energy into the real talent,” she laughs. Carol took a break from a visit with her family in New York City to tell us why she loves her job.
What sparked your interest in coaching?
I’ve always loved physiology—the integrated, functional design of the human body is truly amazing. When I was getting my medical degree, I got top marks in anything having to do with it. During my med school years I also got into endurance sports—running and biking—to keep fit, and I absolutely loved it. I had just completed my first New York City Marathon when an injury prohibited me from running. So I focused exclusively on the bike. I went to a presentation on cycling training around that time and I realized how scientific the sport was becoming. When I moved with my husband to South Africa in 2003, I decided to reinvent my career into something I was really passionate about. So I got my USA Cycling coaching certifications and interned at Carmichael Training Systems, which further fueled my interest in coaching.
What’s a typical day on the job for you?
“The most exciting part is helping people realize their dreams.”
It’s quite difficult to describe because it’s so varied, which is one of the things I love about the work I do. Aside from the daily operations of Activeworx, much of my time is spent on my work with Team MTN Energade. We run a lean team-management structure, so my roles are multifaceted and cover strategic planning, through operations management and coaching. All athletes train and race with SRM Powermeters and upload their training daily through the Internet. This allows me to accurately review their progress and refine their training programs. With 23 elite cyclists located all over the world, the coaching responsibilities are 24/7/365.
What about your work inspires you?
What inspires me the most is the lasting difference one can make to an individual’s life—as both an athlete and as a person. My work in South Africa extends beyond scientific training to life skills—health care, education, computer literacy, financial- and career-management. About one third of the athletes I coach are truly driven to perform at a world-class level; these athletes have exceptional talent, deep commitment, and dedication. For me, the most exciting part is facilitating their development and watching them realize their dreams.
What is the most surprising thing for you about your career?
I’d have to say the room for improvement that athletes have, even at the elite level. The transformation that’s possible through athlete education, skills development, physical conditioning, professional team support, and equipment improvements is astounding. Put all these little pieces together, and it’s surprising to realize what a big impact they can have. It’s how we can take national champions and help them become world champions.
