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Coach Deon Flynn
Enjoy the journey
Program
Head Coach of the Calgary Spartans
Lead Coach, Distance (800m to Marathon)
Education
- Masters Degree (UBC): High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership
- Graduate Certificate (UBC): High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership
- NCCP Level 4/5 (UofC): Advanced Coaching Diploma
- NCCP Level 3: Performance Coach – Distance
NCCP Level 2: Club Coach – Distance
NCCP Level 1: Athletics Coach – Distance
Background and Highlights
Deon arrived in Alberta 20 years ago after being born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador. His running journey began early on a gravel road in the small community of Croque, where he trained with the goal of representing Newfoundland at the 1993 Canada Games in track and field.
His passion for competitive running continued while he attended Memorial University, where he competed in cross country while completing his Bachelor of Science degree. A lifelong learner, Deon moved to Fort McMurray in 2000 to pursue a Power Engineering program at Keyano College. Running remained an important part of his life, and he competed for Keyano College in cross country, representing the college at the CCAA Championships in 2002 and Alberta in 2003.
Deon began coaching at Keyano College in 2000 and continued until relocating to Calgary in 2013. During his time there, he coached athletes to an ACAC provincial championship and a CCAA bronze medal. He also continued to develop his own coaching knowledge, completing his coaching certifications and continually seeking opportunities to learn and improve.
While raising his family in Fort McMurray, Deon remained actively involved in the local running community. From 2010 to 2013, he served as a running coach with an active and competitive triathlon club, helping numerous age-group athletes qualify for and compete at world championship events.
After moving to Calgary in 2013, Deon continued coaching privately and served as an assistant coach with the SAIT Trojans during the 2014–15 season. Over the years, his coaching has evolved into an athlete-centred approach focused on developing both performance and the person behind the athlete.
Deon believes in building people first and athletes second. He places a strong emphasis on relationships, psychological safety, confidence, and creating an environment where athletes feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. Working within a long-term development plan, he adapts his coaching to the individual needs, goals, and circumstances of each athlete.
His coaching values are rooted in Belief, Commitment, Effort, and Trust. Deon strives to foster athletic development through inclusion, create a supportive team culture, inspire motivation, set meaningful individual goals, and build relationships and friendships that extend well beyond the track.
Athletic Highlights
Representing Newfoundland and Labrador at the 1993 Canada Games
- 2003 Team Alberta National College X-Country Champions
- 2003 Keyano College and Fort McMurray Athletic Leadership Award
- 2004 Keyano College Male Athlete of the Year
- 2010 Top Canadian at the Age Grouper World Triathlon Championships
- 2011 Age Grouper Gold medalist at National Triathlon Championships