Born and raised in Wollongong, Australia—a coastal town defined by its stunning mountains and ocean—Grant 'Gilesy' Giles discovered sport as a fundamental part of his life from a young age. Starting with surfing, he later transitioned into the world of triathlon, beginning his journey in 1987.
By 1993, Grant had turned professional, competing in long course and IRONMAN triathlons, achieving consistent podium and Top 10 finishes both in Australia and internationally, including two competitive seasons in Europe. His career spanned over a decade, cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in long-course racing before retiring in 2004.
A Lifelong Passion for Coaching
Grant’s coaching career began serendipitously when a local bike shop owner asked him to take over his athletes. Already working at the local pool, it felt like a natural progression. What started as a small group of athletes quickly flourished after Grant retired from racing. Over the last 25 years (20 as a full-time coach), he has built a reputation for developing both professional triathletes and age-group champions with equal dedication.
As a Level 3, Triathlon Australia Accredited High-Performance Coach, Grant takes a holistic approach to athlete development. His methods combine physical preparation, mental resilience and strategic psychology to unlock each athlete's full potential.
Beyond coaching triathlon, Grant is also a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Strategic Psychotherapist through the Australian Institute of Psychology. He works with athletes and sports coaches across various disciplines to enhance mental preparation, develop talent and embrace the mental toughness required to achieve greatness.
Coaching Achievements
Grant’s extensive coaching portfolio includes working with professional athletes such as:
- Tim Van Berkel – Multiple Ironman Champion and Top 10 Kona finisher.
- Tim Reed – Ironman 70.3 World Champion.
- Clayton Fettell, Brad Kahlefeldt, and Peter Robertson (3x ITU World Champion) – Supporting their transitions from short course to long course triathlon.
Perhaps most impressive is Grant’s legacy with age group athletes. He has helped individuals from all walks of life achieve Age Group National Titles, podium finishes at the Hawaii IRONMAN World Championships and personal breakthroughs they never thought possible. His coaching squad is proudly balanced between male and female athletes, reflecting his inclusive and supportive philosophy.
Beyond Coaching
Grant’s passion for psychology and mental performance stems from his own transformative experience with hypnotherapy. He blends these insights into his coaching style, teaching athletes how to embrace discomfort, trust their instincts, and perform under pressure.
An ardent writer and podcast host, Grant frequently shares his thoughts on sport, mental health, and performance psychology. His podcast dives deep into conversations about athletes, the human spirit, and mental resilience, offering invaluable insights for listeners from all backgrounds.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Whether he’s working with aspiring professionals, dedicated age groupers, or sports coaches in other fields, Grant remains committed to his mission: to inspire, educate, and empower athletes to achieve their full potential.
From his Ironman roots to his current role as a leader in triathlon coaching in Australia, Grant’s journey continues to impact the sport and the athletes he mentors.