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About Us

THE VIKTUS ORIGIN STORY

Written by Nicole Elkins

As two incredibly competitive, successful athletes that ‘didn’t quite make it,’ (I was a nationally competitive gymnast turned pole vaulter, and Andy a U18’s England Hockey goalie turned rugby player), we wanted to provide the support for athletes to achieve what we weren’t quite able to.  Plus having had the privilege of working in numerous elite set ups where support is unrivalled, and witnessing the athletes on the cusp of transitioning into the elite space but not quite being able to access the right level of support to make that final jump, we wanted to ensure that we created an environment where the coaching and programming kept the progress and hope of these athletes alive!

Our Philosophy

THE VIKTUS VISION

At Viktus, we are committed to being the leading physical preparation provider in the South West, empowering teams and individuals to reach their full performance potential.  Whether transitioning from amateur to elite sport or striving for excellence at the highest level, we ensure that physicality is never a limiting factor to sports performance.  We specialise in developing resilient, high-performing athletes, reducing injury risk, and providing the tools needed to sustain long-term success.  By bridging the gap between ambition and physical capability, we help athletes stay in development squads, progress to elite levels, and achieve their sporting goals with confidence.

Our Services

MEET THE TEAM

Nicole Elkins

Managing Director and Consultant S&C Coach

What is your role at Viktus?
My dual role both consults and delivers S&C coaching to individuals and sports teams, as well as managing the operational running of Viktus from the accounts to marketing and everything in between!
Tell us about your career so far?
Most notably I was the S&C coach for the Great Britain Rowing Team for Rio 2016 Olympics and led their Strength and Conditioning Team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Before that I coached a range of amateur athletes across a wide variety of sports. Now I lead on the England Golf South-West Programme, F1 Motorsport and Cambridge Women for the Boat Races.
What are your favourite types of exercise?
I stay fit by swimming, running and cycling (although no triathlons just yet!) and continue to lift 2-3 times per week. I have to say a heavy back squat ticks a lot of boxes for me, from protecting my lower back to maintaining leg, hip and trunk strength, so I can continue to play sport.
Outside of work what do you enjoy?
Mainly hanging out with my family and two chaos kids (1- and 3-year-old, high energy boys) – finding ways to wear them out in the fresh air. I do also enjoy some quiet time with a good book or catching up with friends.

Andy Elkins

Technical Director and Consultant S&C Coach

What is your role at Viktus?
My role is primarily the design and delivery of performance and return to play programmes with our teams and individuals. When not athlete facing, I am working on developing our programming systems so that we can deliver a higher quality of service to our athletes.
Tell us about your career so far?
I have worked across a number of Professional and Olympic sports. Professional rugby, Pro MMA, England Netball, GB Para Rowing, GB Swimming and F1 Motorsport to name a few. I’m fortunate that this has allowed me to develop a well-rounded coaching toolbox.
What are your favourite types of exercise?
As a typical S&C coach I prefer to perform sprints and follow them up with some tempo running so that I’m practicing what I preach. If time allows cycling (road or mountain) work. I have a love hate relationship with Bulgarian Split Squats, particularly hand supported safety bar variations.
Outside of work what do you enjoy?
We are an outdoor family so like to take our campervan and bikes on adventures as often as we can. Outside of that showing the boys the value of physical activity where I can…even if I’m the one doing the work.

Harris Shewan

Assistant S&C Coach

 

What is your role at Viktus?
I am one of the assistant S&C coaches. I write and coach programmes for individuals and the athlete development academy. I also help to look after the Viktus social media pages on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Tell us about your career so far?
My career as an S&C coach includes roles in Professional Rugby, Olympic Swimming and University Rowing. My first coaching role was in trampolining, and more recently I have enjoyed coaching endurance runners and triathletes.
What are your favourite types of exercise?
A heavy back squat has to be up there. It’s fun to lift some heavy circles! Cardio-wise, I enjoy cycling or in the winter I am a big fan of snowboarding!
Outside of work what do you enjoy?
I enjoy training for competitions such as Ironman Wales. Otherwise, I enjoy supporting Newcastle United with a beer and getting outside with some mates.

Tom Wyles

Assistant S&C Coach

What is your role at Viktus?
I am the S&C coach for the Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club.
Tell us about your career so far?
I come from a rugby background, previously working as an S&C coach at a Semi-Professional club. Additionally, I have supported University rowers during multiple international training camps.
What are your favourite types of exercise?
Clean and jerk or squats are top tier. Heavy weight and lifting quickly is my go-to combination
Outside of work what do you enjoy?
I like to go hiking abroad with my mates a couple times a year. Camping was a big part of my childhood so trying to get back into that whenever I have free time. During my weekends I enjoy playing rugby or cricket in the summer. At home I like to meal prep, creating cheap but healthy meals to enjoy on the move!

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