Phil Stewart returns with Part 2 of his story — this time not as the athlete, but as a coach, leader, and high performance coordinator shaping the future of gymnastics.

After retiring from competition, Phil transitioned into coaching, business management, and leadership.

From co-founding a gymnastics business, to serving on Gymnastics Australia’s Athlete Commission, to now coordinating elite pathways at the State Gymnastics Centre in Victoria, Phil has built a career defined by authenticity, passion, and purpose.

In this episode, Phil shares how he balances the demands of high performance with athlete wellbeing, why athlete voices and mental health must be at the centre of sport, and how technology and AI could transform judging in gymnastics.

He also reflects on the financial realities of international competition, the importance of building strong athlete–parent–coach relationships, and the values he believes every coach should bring into the gym.

Join us as we explore Phil’s story as an industry expert — the lessons, challenges, and opportunities of shaping the culture of gymnastics and creating pathways for the next generation.

Special Guest: Phil Stewart

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Phil Stewart joins us with Part 1 of his story as an Almost Pro Athlete — from breaking his neck at 19 to making an international comeback.

Phil’s gymnastics journey began at just five years old, leading him to the Victorian Men’s High Performance Centre and a sporting scholarship to the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, where he trained 30 hours a week.

At 19, a trampoline accident left him with a broken neck, but instead of ending his career, it became a defining turning point.

Phil fought his way back, made his international debut at 21, and became the first Victorian gymnast to land a highly difficult dismount in competition.

He went on to compete internationally until 26 and today is the High Performance Coordinator at the State Gymnastics Centre in Prahran, Victoria.

In Part 1, we dive into Phil’s story as an athlete — the highs, the lows, and the resilience it takes to fight back when everything is stacked against you.

Next week, join us for Part 2 as Phil shares his journey from Almost Pro Athlete to Industry Expert.

Special Guest: Phil Stewart

👉 Don’t forget to follow Almost Pro Podcast so you never miss an episode.

From travel costs and training fees to the hidden price of equipment and recovery, we break down the financial reality of chasing a professional sporting dream.

In this episode of Almost Pro, we explore the sacrifices families make, the advantages financial backing can provide, and the inspiring exceptions that prove it’s still possible to succeed without deep pockets.

Drawing on personal experiences and real-world examples, we reveal how financial stress can shape an athlete’s opportunities, career decisions, and confidence, and why some athletes never get the chance to be seen.

We talk about:

- The true cost of pursuing elite sport.

- How resources and support influence an athlete’s pathway.

- The barriers faced by athletes without financial backing.

- Stories of those who achieved success against the odds.

🎧 Join us as we shine a light on the costs, challenges, and inspiring journeys in sport.

💬 Which sport do you think is the most expensive to pursue? Share your thoughts in the comments or on our socials, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Not every athlete’s story ends with going pro — and not every success is defined by the scoreboard.

In this short welcome episode, meet your hosts Laura and Frances as they introduce Almost Pro — a sports podcast dedicated to the powerful, untold stories of athletes whose journeys didn’t follow the script.

Each week, Almost Pro dives into the moments that shift an athlete’s path — from career-ending injuries to sliding door decisions — through the voices of those who’ve lived it: athletes, coaches, industry experts, and game changers.

This is where the human side of high performance takes centre stage.

Because being almost pro doesn’t mean you failed.

It means you dared.