Mike Comissiong – tributes
It is with great sadness to report the passing of our much loved and highly respected sprints coach Mike Comissiong.
The Remembrance Service took place on Tuesday 15th February 2022 and was attended my many friends from TVH.
Mike joined TVH as an athlete before turning to coaching after his son Jason joined in 1993. Mike progressed to a highly qualified and knowledgeable coach who over the next 27 years coached many sprinters at Linford Christie Stadium to achieve their potential.
Mike worked closely with Ron Roddan and Eddy Fisher and even when his health was deteriorating Mike was still just as keen to coach his athletes and support TVH which he was able to do until March 2020.
Tributes from some of Mike’s many friends at TVH
Mike’s biggest strength was that he always had the best interest of the athletes at heart, was very patient and approachable and was keen to keep learning and improving throughout his coaching career. Mike was always happy to fill gaps in the club’s sprints coaching, initially coaching younger athletes who moved on to Ron Roddan’s group and in his later years also coaching more senior athletes.
Paul Oppe
Mike was a great coach and even more so, an amazingly wonderful person who always had time for anyone who crossed his path. When I joined TVH, I attended Mike’s weekly circuit sessions and experienced his coaching first-hand. He was very patient, gave his time freely, was so encouraging and got you to get the best out of yourself. When I started coaching, I would go to Mike for advice and chats and he always had time to listen and give advice. It’s very hard to think about Mike not being here but I am so thankful to have met and known Mike and I, along with so many others, will miss Mike dearly.
Amber Simukonda
What can I say about Mike that people already know and will be saying. A quiet man who coached junior sprinters over the far side of the track from me. Mike always had time to say hi and have a quick chat. He started competing for the club about 4 decades ago when club and international athletes performed side by side with shared respect and for the ‘team spirit’ and has been sharing his talents and experiences ever since. That was only one side of him, his Christianity and love of family were a much larger part of his life and it showed in his actions, in the way he treated people. He will be greatly missed by all of us who had the luck to know him.
Rez Cameron
I would like these memories of mine to be shared for Mike.
Mike began coaching myself in 2016 and in 2017 under his wing/expertise I became the Middlesex 100 metre champion, winning my first ever County Gold! Mike gave me time, valued effort and love into his training which allowed me to excel further within the sport! Mike even wrote a letter of recommendation to my university to allow me to gain a performance scholarship at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
There are not many honest and true people in this world and Mike was one of them, He devoted his life to coaching, teaching others and we all are going to miss him greatly. Thank you for helping me become the man I am today!
Keano Elliott Paris-Samuel Accredited sprinter at Thames Valley Harriers
Hi Mike,
I have sadly learnt that you have passed away. I am deeply saddened not having the time to say how much I valued you as a mentor, leader and British coach.
I decided to put my faith in your training after many Years of disappointment from 2013 to 2018 and got excellent results.
I will not miss your 200 metres sleds in the winter, or your 8 times 150m full speed, but I will definitely miss your voice and advice. You showed great courage despite the disease and this is how I will remember you.
RIP my British coach.
Bérenger (Benji) Akue Assoumou
Mike was an amazing coach. He was my first coach in athletics and taught me so much, he was kind and compassionate to me and I am truly grateful that I got to know him and thankful that he was my coach as he taught me so much. He will be truly missed by me and everyone at TVH.
Rebekah
Please email info@thamesvalleyharriers.com to add your own tribute.