The Game of Gymnastics

Defying Limits: My Journey to Mastering the Cassina

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In this episode Winston shares his journey of mastering the challenging gymnastics skill known as the cassina. Initially believing that this skill was beyond his physical capabilities due to their height and weight compared to other gymnasts, Winston recounts the process of learning and eventually catching the casino in just under two months.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. Understanding the Casino Skill: The casino is a complex gymnastics skill that involves a Kovach with a full twist in a straight position, making it significantly more challenging than other similar skills like the Coleman.

  2. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Initially, there was a belief that the skill was impossible due to physical attributes, such as height and weight. However, persistence and trying the skill led to the realization that it was achievable.

  3. Importance of Technique: Mastering the casino required finding the right technique, particularly in timing the twist and ensuring proper rotation and height. This highlights the significance of technique in gymnastics.

  4. Progress and Setbacks: The journey to successfully catching the casino involved numerous attempts, with fluctuations in performance. After an injury, there was a temporary halt in progress, but returning to practice led to regaining confidence and eventually catching the skill.

  5. Encouragement to Persist: The experience serves as a reminder that skills that seem impossible at first can be achieved with time and effort. It emphasizes the importance of not limiting oneself based on preconceived notions and encourages others to keep trying despite doubts.


    BEST MOMENTS

    • "I thought I didn't have the right body type for this. I didn't, I was too heavy for this, but like, that was even before I gave it a go."
    • "The biggest thing was getting the twist around, seeing the bar, then grabbing it, and actually holding on."
    • "I caught the first one, then I caught one after, and then I put both hands on, they go after that, and then I was like, okay, cool, that's enough for today."
    • "It's always just a matter of time. You can always do more than you think you can."
    • "Limiting yourself before you try doesn't help. I didn't think I could do it, but I kept an open mind, tried it and I made it work."

      • MY SOCIAL LINKS

      https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/


      Host Bio:

      As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success.


      This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/


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      The Game of GymnasticsBy Winston Powell