Built on a Bedrock of Coaching Excellence
Damanta Láidir — Gaelic for “Bloody Strong.” It’s our ethos. Our legacy. Our way.
Who are we?
Taranis Athletics opened in 2008 as a small CrossFit facility with a big mission: build strong, capable humans through world-class coaching and a down-to-earth community.
Since then, we’ve expanded our space, stood on the CrossFit Games floor multiple times, and grown into a full athletic club. AND yet, our roots remain the same, being focused on excellence in how we responsibly serve the community walking through our doors every week.
Today, we blend deep CrossFit roots with diverse training pathways, smart programming, and a community culture that’s been 18 years in the making. With members that have been here as long as we have, it’s a testament to the fact that Taranis is where strong humans and strong connections are built.
What Sets us apart
It’s easy to point to the things you can see when you walk into Taranis:
our spacious facility that lets us run full programming and multiple classes simultaneously; our robust equipment selection, including specialty tools you won’t find collectively anywhere else in the city; our easy parking; and our location right next to a track.
All of that matters.
But none of it is what truly sets Taranis apart.
What makes Taranis exceptional is our coaching team.
Our coaches bring years, often decades, of hands-on experience, grounded in university degrees, postgraduate education, and ongoing certifications across fitness, sport performance, recovery, and health. Many of our team members have competed at the highest levels: the CrossFit Games, national and international championships, and university sport.
Every coach maintains current first aid, invests in continuing education, and approaches their role with a blend of professionalism, passion, and genuine care. Whether you’re brand new or highly trained, you’re guided by coaches who know their craft and are committed to helping you progress with purpose.
Meet the Team
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VANESSA SULLIVAN
OWNER, GENERAL MANAGER, PT and CLASS COACH
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STEVE HOWELL
HEAD COACH & PROGRAMMER, WOD FLOOR MANAGER, COMP DEV LEAD, PERSONAL TRAINER.
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ABBAS BORZOO
PERFORMANCE COACH, PERSONAL TRAINER, CLASS COACH.
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JACKIE SNELL
CLASS COACH, PERSONAL TRAINER, SPECIAL WORKSHOPS
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ROBYN RAYNER
Mom Strong Program Director & Coach, RMT and Class Coach
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BRANDON CLARKSON
CLASS COACH
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LUKE ISHIZAKI
CLASS COACH
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KATIE SCHMIT
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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BRENNA SEYMOUR
ATHLETIC THERAPIST, PERSONAL TRAINER and PRIVATE PROGRAMMING.
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MORGON ROZON
NUTRITION PROGRAM DIRECTOR & COACH, PERSONAL TRAINER, CLASS COACH.
Come find us at our Esquimalt location.
Contact us
Ready to take your training to the next level? Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve endurance, recover from an injury, or simply move better, Taranis Athletics is here to help.

