Annemarie Munk

“AM" fell into coaching in 1996 because it was an easy and accessible job option right out of college after retiring from a competitive career which saw her compete at the Olympics at the tender age of 14. Fast forward 20+ years, AM has established herself as one of the premier triathlon & open water swim coaches in Asia.

AM was one of HK’s most versatile swimmers. She held national records in IM, fly and breaststroke events at various times, completing her career as a 200m butterfly specialist. She trained undercoaching luminaries Dave Haller (GB), Bill Sweetenham (AUS & GB) and Mark Schubert (USA).

After hanging up her suit, AM dabbled in event management and sports marketing but was continually drawn to a “teaching” environment. She pursued a career as a Pilates Instructor, primarily studying under Rael Isacowitz in California.   She went on to serve as one of four Senior Faculty to teach and mentor his BASI teacher training program to aspiring teachers around the world, as well as present at various conferences and symposia between 2000-2007.  During her studies, AM spent her lunchtimes swimming with Mike Collins of Nova Masters in Irvine and Gerry Rodrigues of Tower 26 in Santa Monica. Together they have influenced much of AM’s understanding of triathlon and open water swimming. After a move to the UK and a return to age-group competitive swimming coaching, AM spent the summer of 2018 pacing the decks with the Heidary brothers at Orinda Aquatics, gaining vast insight into “values based” coaching, as well as with Steve Haufler, possibly the most creative learn-to-swim / age group swim coaches around.

Needless to say, much of the philosophy at The Swim Lab has been honed by this tremendous mentorship from not only some of the worlds’ greatest competitive swimming coaches, but also triathlon, open water swimming, and movement coaches.  Coupled with her experience as Head Coach for the Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club senior group (2000-2002), and most recently as the Director of Swimming for the Leander Swim Club in London, UK (2017-2019), this unique, well rounded knowledge has benefitted many an athlete AM has worked with in the pool (as well as on the bike and run).  It has given AM a great ability to understand how one's body should move in water and on land and more importantly, be able to translate that to swimmers of every level and discipline.  

AM also volunteered as one of the Head Coaches for Splash, the Swim School for the Hong Kong Community where her experience and attention to detail landed her the role as Director of Programs.  She devised the teaching program and spearheaded Coach Training & Education which required extensive skills testing with focus groups to ensure the inexperienced volunteer force had the skills to effectively, positively, safely and confidently teach autonomously. This highly rewarding role opened up new perspectives about teaching swimming to adults who have never otherwise had the opportunity to learn such a valuable life skill.  Many of the Swim Lab Training Squad volunteer their time to Splash, which was founded by a "SLabber".  

AM has done a number of open water swims and triathlons from Sprint to 70.3, but took a long break from competing and is simply trying to “age gracefully” now.  She spends a lot of time running around after her three kids, Magnus, Mette & Elsa, as well as worrying about any potential accidents or injuries husband Marc may have either during training or while racing himself!  

Now living in London, UK, AM returns to a few times a year to assist Fen with Training Squads. She manages training programs for a small stable of athletes remotely. AM has expanded her area of influence away from the pool deck as a Performance Lifestyle Consultant, working with high-achieving individuals and teams to enhance and accelerate their leadership and performance capabilities. She has a keen interest in habits & behaviors, and the associated mindsets around how anybody decides to do anything. AM mentors with the True Athlete Project where she offers personalised nurturing support and mental skills training to young athletes. AM is experienced in the planning and execution of camps and clinics and is available to travel to help with coaching. AM works with individuals amd teams in and around the following areas:

Performance Lifestyle | Mental Skills | Culture & Wellbeing | Compassionate & Conscious Leadership