CAT Speed Athletes

Larissa Pasternatsky

2018 Commonwealth Games 200m Semi Finalist.

• 2018 Australian Commonwealth Games Trials 200m Bronze Medallist.
• 2018 NSW State 100m & 200m Champion.
• 2017 World University Games 4x100m Relay Representative.
• 2017 Oceania Championships 200m Silver Medallist.

"Three years ago when I first met with Cathy I was in a moon boot and had a stress fracture in my big toe. Cathy had to start from square one and coached and mentored me into becoming the 2017 NSW State Champion in the 200m and Silver Medalist in the 100m. In 2017, I also became the second fastest female in Australia in the 200m open sprint at the Athletics National Championships and lead off the winning NSW Open Women’s 4x100m Relay, which culminated in my selection to represent Australia in the 200m at the 2017 Oceania Games in Fiji. All my accomplishments this season are credited to Cathy’s knowledge, patience, guidance, encouragement and unwavering support.

With Cathy, no two athletes are coached the same and no challenge is too great. Her individualised programs and ability to spot strengths, weaknesses and raw potential, is a rarity which makes her stand out as a coach, and in turn, her athletes excel. Cathy’s attention to detail, knowledge of her craft and commitment to her athletes makes her an incredible coach. Cathy’s focus on the technical aspects, on the track and in the gym, as well as her ability to give specific cues, ensures her athlete can grasp concepts quickly and execute the proper movements, all of which develop overall athleticism.

Cathy’s coaching and mentoring equips young people with life skills transcending beyond the sporting arena. I am confident that my transition out of sport, when that day comes, will not leave me feeling lost, rather empower me to bring the qualities of fight, passion, determination and heart. All these qualities Cathy has brought out in me and in the process, mentored, guided and coached me to realise my true potential. "

Henry Hutchison

2016 Olympic Games Australian Rugby Sevens Representative.

• Australian Rugby Sevens 2016
• Randwick, Shute Shield 2015
• Australian Rugby Union U20 representative
• Australian Rugby Union U18 School Boy 2013
• GPS U16 100m Champion 2013
• GPS U16 4x100m Relay Champion (anchor leg)
• GPS U16 4x400m Intermediate Relay Record Holder (50.8 split).

“Cathy provides me with clear and specific technical instruction, improving my speed and agility tremendously. Her use of unique drills and accuracy in coaching have helped me to succeed and reach goals sooner than expected. Without her professional advice I certainly would not have achieved as much as I have in athletics and rugby. Cathy’s technical advice includes preparation and recovery techniques, managing my load and keeping me fit and ready for every weekend. Cathy’s mentorship and guidance goes beyond the race and the game, preparing me for life. Cathy has a unique way of enabling me to achieve my best, she has taught me about the sacrifices and effort athletes need to make behind the scenes to achieve more. Cathy is an amazing person, she has had a positive influence in my life, on and off the field. Overall Cathy is an amazing coach, a great mentor and a good friend.”

Louis Stenmark

2015 IAAF World Youth Championship Finalist 400m

“Cathy Walsh has been Louis’ Athletics (Track) coach for the past three years for the 100m, 200m & especially the 400m. She is without doubt the best coach we have ever experienced both from Louis point of view and from a parents perspective. Not only does Cathy have a tremendous technical knowledge of sprints & coaching, she also draws on her vast number of coaching contacts all round the world. Importantly Cathy is very caring in the way she develops athletes while also having the ability to know when to push the athlete to help them appreciate their true capabilities.

She also takes a sensible approach to younger athletes that are involved in other sports & often encourages them to continue playing & enjoying other sports while participating in Track.

Louis would not have achieved the great honour of representing his country at the 2015 World Youth Championships in Columbia without Cathys excellent coaching skills. She is focussed, organised, strategic with a short, medium & long term approach to athlete development. Clearly we feel Cathy is one of the best Track coaches in the world.”

Damien & Susie Stenmark (Stenmark Organisation)

Raymond Smith

2015 World University Games 4x400m Relay Representative.

• 2016 Australian National 400m Hurdles Bronze Medallist.
• 2015 Australian National 400m Hurdles Bronze Medallist.

“Cathy has coached me for the past three seasons, and over this time my track results have improved dramatically. With Cathy’s guidance and coaching knowledge, I have been able to transition from a junior athlete racing domestically to a highly competitive senior athlete able to compete on an international stage. In 2015, I represented Australia in the 400-metre relay at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea. This achievement would not have been possible had it not been for Cathy’s dedication and hard work over the past three seasons. Cathy provides the complete coaching package with expertise in not only track and field, but also demonstrates a high level of knowledge in regard to gym and strength sessions. Cathy’s dedication to her athletes is second to none and it is this devotion that makes her such an outstanding coach.”

Jack McGregor

2015 Australian Rugby Schoolboy Representative

• Gordon Highlanders Shute Shield

“We have been very fortunate to have had the benefit of Cathy’s coaching for our son over the last few years. Cathy’s experience in both track sprinting, and focus on developing speed, agility and explosiveness for grass based sports has been a huge benefit with outstanding results. Cathy’s technical expertise includes nutrition, preparation, recovery, injury management and individualised training programs ensuring that athletes are ready to peak and perform at their best.”

Paul McGregor

Jordan Hunter

2015 Australian U19 Basketball Representative

• Scholarship to Saint Mary’s College Of California (NCAA Division 1)
• Australian Institute Of Sport Scholarship Holder
• NSW U20 Basketball Representative

“Cathy’s guidance throughout my final years of high school were paramount to my development as a basketball player and as a person. Every session I did had visible results on the court and allowed me to achieve my goals like I never thought I would. Cathy’s expertise in athlete development allowed for an experience tailored to both my sport and my physical attributes, and this was key in my swift improvement. Cathy was able to masterfully balance both personal and physical development during our sessions, not only developing my explosiveness, athleticism and speed, but helping me every step of the way with my dream of attending college in the US. Cathy’s knowledge and experience with the NCAA allowed her to offer a plethora of significant advice, on top of the physical development, allowing me to receive a basketball scholarship. Cathy’s mentorship, positive attitude and sacrifice has allowed me to exceed my own expectations, achieving things I never thought I could. She is a wonderful person and an amazing coach, and I count myself very fortunate we were able to cross paths at such a vital point in my physical and personal development. Cathy has helped me reach my goals and better myself as an athlete and a person.”

Antonia Howard

ECAC, Metropolitan Championship & Big East Representative, St Johns University Track & Field, New York

"Cathy Walsh is an outstanding coach and person. I consider it a great privilege to be one of her athletes. Ever since Cathy took me under her wing, she has continued to improve my endurance, speed, mobility, strength, form, competitor’s mindset and my general attitude towards running. Cathy educates all her athletes about recovery, nutrition and injury prevention. She has helped me overcome injury with care and precision, incorporating pool, cross training and anti gravity into my training. Her aqua running sessions and her understanding of body mechanics are second to no other coach. Coach Cathy helped me research and receive an academic/athletic scholarship at St John’s University in New York, where I currently compete as a Division 1 middle distance and cross country athlete. I am so grateful for the way she prepared me, and even now she continues to coach, advise and support me through the experience. It is rare to find a coach who has the ability to both nurture and challenge you…and make you laugh!"

John Marshall

1984 USA Olympian 800m

• Head Coach St. Peters University
• Former Head Coach Villanova University

“The Cathy Walsh training program is the most intricate and comprehensive system for enhancing athletic performance I have ever used as an athlete or coach. As a United States Olympian in the 800m and former Head Coach of Villanova University I can tell you Coach Walsh’s program is the most effective way to enhance speed, agility, and strength for all athletes in all sports. I have used Coach Walsh’s program with my athletes and have experienced tremendous success.”

James Gurr

Scholarship to Seton Hall University (NCAA Division 1)

“Cathalina first gave me the idea of competing on a collegiate level and furthermore helped me tremendously in understanding the intricacies of gaining eligibility. In addition, she also initiated contact with the college I attended, Seton Hall, and the appropriate contacts within the college. Had I not received her help and guidance, I would not be in the position I am in today both as an athlete and also as a teacher, as it was through attending college that I was able to attain my degree. Cathalina has also been a trusted friend through the years, both prior to and after my years as a college student. She continues to be a voice of reason and influence to this day for others as well as myself.”

Denny Moore

Scholarship to Virginia State University

“Cathy Walsh is the best coach I have had the pleasure to run under in my athletic career, and to coach under. She understands in great detail how running, and sprinting in particular, works and has taught me almost everything I know and understand about running track. Cathy coached me to US college standard out of high school and helped me get into college on a scholarship. She can also relate sprint training to other sports (soccer, rugby, basketball, softball,…) where speed, agility and strength are required and how to balance those to best suit an individual. She is also very knowledgeable about recovery and the importance of balance in a training schedule. In my time under her guidance I have never seen anyone get injured from her training because she is always aware of what stages her athletes are at physically and is able to push them to their limits without breaking. Her experience in the States, both competing and coaching at college level, and on the world circuit have given her a wealth of knowledge that is beyond anyone I have met.”

Sam Howard

“Cathy Walsh has been head sprint coach of the Riverview Athletics Program for several years. My son, Sam, has been extremely fortunate to train under Cathy. Since training with Cathy, Sam has achieved a marked improvement in his running technique, has continued to clock Personal Best times at sprint meets and consistently gained ribbon placings at interschool competitions. An accomplished athlete herself, Cathy’s friendly nature and clear communication combined with her skills of technique analysis and sports psychology have earned her much respect amongst both the athletes she coaches and their parents. Prior to gaining Cathy as a coach, Sam was a somewhat complacent athlete. Cathy has nurtured his talent and fostered a keen interest in track athletics which he now intends to continue after he leaves school.”

Michelle O'Dea

Tahli Moore

Scholarship to James Madison University (NCAA Division 1)

“Cathy Walsh is an amazing sprint coach, as I am a softball athlete sprinting is a very important part of my game. Cathy would specialize my drills for mainly explosive and strength work to mimic the actions I would need to excel in my sport. With her training I was able to play for both Australian School-Girls and the Great British Junior Worlds sides in 2012/13. The speed work Cathy worked with me also showed in my final year of school athletics where I was awarded senior athlete and was in the invitational 100m final. Cathy also assisted me in NCAA paper work and understanding what to expect being a college athlete in the USA, which has been extremely helpful while being at James Madison University, Virginia.”

Elijah Williams

“Having the opportunity to train with someone so knowledgeable in their field is absolutely great. Having worked with different coaches in the past, I know the difference between a bad and great coach. And that's exactly what you get. Cathy ensures that you can work at a level that you are comfortable with alternately at a level that challenges you to achieve more. I myself have changed from the person who aspired to run to someone that runs and puts some good times up. I now understand the technicals of sport, the importance of rest and diets how the body works and much more. Even on days I pull up sore or my body isn't functioning well. Cathy takes the time in telling me the best ways to recover particular injuries or pains. She is a miracle worker.”