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DIVE Beyond Sport
By Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie WoodwardSportsHealth & FitnessMental HealthEducationSelf-Improvement
DIVE Beyond Sport episodes
- Luke Digby: Chasing the Olympic Dream (DIVE Ep.30)
Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and
exclusive clips.Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpodIn this episode, Team GB figure skater Luke Digby joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on his 18-year journey to the Olympics, his retirement from competitive skating, and the moment his competitive fire finally went out as the Olympic flame was extinguished in Verona. Luke shares how childhood inspiration, major injuries, and a move from singles to pairs skating with Anastasia Vaipan-Law shaped his career, culminating in representing Great Britain on the Olympic stage. He discusses the pressure of securing an Olympic quota place, overcoming injuries, delivering a personal-best short program, and ending his career in Prague with his mother watching. Looking ahead, Luke also talks about life after sport, including his upcoming wedding and a new project on the ice.Show Notes• How does an athlete know when it is finally time to walk away from the dream they have chased for nearly two decades.• What happens when achieving a lifelong Olympic goal brings contentment rather than the desire for more.• How can athletes navigate the emotional transition from elite sport to the next chapter of life.• What role do injuries, setbacks, and reinvention play in keeping an Olympic dream alive.• How do athletes maintain belief when the path to success feels uncertain and constantly under threat.• What does resilience look like when major injuries force you to completely rethink your future.• How can trust, partnership, and shared ambition accelerate success in elite sport.• What mindset is required to perform under pressure when everything comes down to one qualification opportunity.• How do athletes separate the magnitude of a moment from the task directly in front of them.• What can Luke Digby’s journey teach us about fulfilment, perspective, and finding peace beyond performance.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:17 Olympic Fire Goes Out03:53 Post Olympics Motivation06:29 Childhood Dream and Doubts10:42 Falling for Skating14:02 Family Sporting Roots16:14 Inspired by London 201218:19 Switzerland Training Leap22:18 Jumps Technique Explained28:52 How Figure Skating Is Judged31:30 Pairs Elements and Crowd Reactions35:04 Injuries and Switching to Pairs35:52 Triple Axel Knee Injury38:09 Surgery Rehab Setback40:35 Switching to Pairs41:38 Meeting Anna Partnership44:50 Learning Lifts Trust50:46 Olympic Qualification Path54:28 Staying Level Headed59:00 Wrist Injury Olympic Build01:02:45 Best Skate Qualifying01:05:57 Prague Farewell Mom01:07:51 Life After Retirement01:10:17 Next Chapter on Ice01:11:57 Chasing Olympic DreamSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPodFollow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:Luke Digby: https://www.instagram.com/luke_digbyFreddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodwardYona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakwLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 18 min - Leon Taylor: Between the Boards (DIVE Ep.29)
Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips.
Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod
In this episode, Olympic diver Leon Taylor joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on his journey from dreaming of the Olympics as a child to winning Team GB’s first diving medal in 44 years alongside Peter Waterfield at Athens 2004. Leon shares the emotional story of placing his silver medal around a young Freddie’s neck and explains how that moment sparked a deeper sense of responsibility to inspire others by visiting clubs, mentoring athletes, and giving back to the sport. The conversation explores the shift from chasing personal performance to finding fulfillment through helping others, mentorship, and discovering “what else” exists beyond sport, including lessons from supporting athletes like Tom Daley. Leon also opens up about injuries, mental-health struggles, retirement before Beijing due to chronic back issues, and how practices like hot yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and endurance challenges helped him heal and rediscover purpose beyond competition. He titles his “movie” Between the Boards.Show Notes• How does an athlete rebuild identity after stepping away from elite competition and Olympic performance.• What does resilience look like when success and disappointment exist side by side in sport.• How can athletes navigate pressure, expectation, and the emotional highs and lows of Olympic competition.• What happens when elite performers begin questioning success, purpose, and self-worth beyond medals.• How do athletes learn to separate external validation from internal fulfilment.• What role does mindset play in handling setbacks, transitions, and reinvention after sport.• How can vulnerability and honest reflection create stronger leadership and personal growth.• What lessons does elite diving teach about trust, fear, precision, and performing under pressure.• How do athletes carry the experiences of sport into broadcasting, business, leadership, and everyday life.• What can Leon Taylor’s journey teach us about perspective, resilience, and redefining success beyond results.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:49 Freddie’s Medal Moment02:16 Leon’s Olympic Responsibility08:37 Giving Back After Sport11:34 Advice for Current Athletes16:21 90s Culture and Burnout20:34 Past the Pigs Mindset24:06 Smiling and Neurochemistry29:29 Early Life and Movement34:29 Retirement and Finding Yoga41:47 Beijing Cycle Questions42:58 Hitting Rock Bottom43:35 Planning Life After Sport44:48 Mentoring And Media Pivot45:55 Medical Red Card48:17 Missing The Team52:07 Fatherhood Shifts Priorities01:00:01 Endurance As A Beginner01:06:34 Curiosity Over Five Year Plans01:11:13 Meditation Made Practical01:14:41 Between The Boards FinaleSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPodFollow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:Leon Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/leontaylorgbFreddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodwardYona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakwLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 21 min - Chris Hunt Skelley MBE: Be Humble, Be Kind (DIVE Ep.28)
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Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod
In this episode, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE joins Dive Beyond Sport to share his journey as a para judo athlete, reflecting on competing under intense pressure, winning Paralympic medals, and the long-standing partnership with his coach, John, built on trust, shared leadership, and honest communication. Chris opens up about discovering he had oculocutaneous albinism as a teenager after years of worsening vision, light sensitivity, misdiagnosis, and being dismissed by doctors, which led to struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and later PTSD, while judo became a source of purpose and resilience. He also discusses the mental-health challenges he faced ahead of Paris, the pressures of para-sport classification, severe injuries and rehabilitation, and why his Paris bronze medal ultimately meant more to him than his Tokyo gold. Beyond competition, Chris reflects on retirement, returning to visually impaired rugby, mentoring others, public speaking, and why true strength comes from asking for help.Show Notes• How does an athlete rebuild confidence after life-changing setbacks and long periods away from competition.• What does resilience really mean when your journey includes uncertainty, injury, and adversity beyond sport itself.• How can elite athletes maintain belief when progress feels slow and unpredictable.• What role does mindset play in adapting to challenges that completely change your perspective on life and performance.• How do athletes separate identity from results while navigating pressure and expectations.• What happens when gratitude becomes a driving force behind performance and personal growth.• How can sport create purpose, confidence, and opportunity beyond medals and achievements.• What lessons does Paralympic sport teach about perspective, adaptability, and mental strength.• How do athletes continue pushing boundaries while balancing wellbeing, ambition, and long-term goals.• What can Chris Hunt Skelley’s journey teach us about courage, resilience, and redefining success through adversity.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:48 Paralympic Gold Mindset03:58 Coach Bond and Trust06:23 Athlete Led Coaching08:45 Diagnosis and Early Struggles11:31 Medical Dismissal and Crisis13:58 Answers at Last16:04 Judo as a Lifeline19:03 Relapse and Classification Stress23:56 Support Systems and Counseling26:20 Injuries and Rapid Comebacks31:08 Hip Dislocation to World Medal34:55 Why Athletes Risk It36:14 Stitches and determination36:57 Risk reward mindset39:43 Classification explained41:18 System failures and reform47:37 Cheating and fairness concerns50:10 Weight class upheaval53:06 Paris bronze redemption56:56 Life after retirement01:01:03 Men talking and strength01:05:01 Humble and kind finaleSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPodFollow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:Chris Hunt Skelley: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.skelleyFreddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodwardYona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakwLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 15 min - Rhiannan Iffland: Diving for 10 (DIVE Ep.27)
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exclusive clips.Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpodIn this episode, Rhiannan Iffland joins us to share her journey from trampolining and traditional diving to becoming one of the most dominant athletes in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. She reflects on career-defining moments, including earning straight 10s in icy conditions and competing in Sydney in front of her family, while opening up about setbacks, pressure, injuries, and the mindset shifts that shaped her success. Rhiannan also shares insights into her preparation routines, visualization techniques, recovery, and her thoughts on the future of high diving and life beyond the sport.Show Notes• How does an athlete stay motivated after reaching the top of their sport multiple times.• What does confidence look like in a sport where fear and risk are part of every performance.• How can elite athletes manage pressure while competing in extreme environments.• What role does mindset play when performance depends on committing fully without hesitation.• How do athletes learn to trust themselves when the margin for error is so small.• What happens when success becomes about consistency rather than proving yourself.• How can setbacks and difficult moments strengthen long-term resilience and perspective.• What does it take to maintain focus, discipline, and longevity in elite sport.• How do athletes balance ambition with enjoying the journey and the lifestyle their sport provides.• What can Rhiannan Iffland’s journey teach us about courage, confidence, and high performance under pressure.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:49 Standout Dives and Straight Tens03:51 Origins of Competitive Drive04:09 From Trampoline to Diving07:35 Quitting and Cruise Ships10:48 Police or Performer Path15:21 Learning High Diving Skills17:21 Abu Dhabi Disaster Lesson20:36 Dad’s Advice and First Win27:02 Pressure Expectations and Aging36:09 Training Buildups for 20m38:00 Fear Management and Visualization43:08 Visualization Routines47:33 Breath And Focus Cues49:51 Tactile Calming Tricks52:51 Handling Wind And Weather55:44 Life After Diving58:22 Olympics And Sport Growth01:02:03 Advice To Younger Athletes01:03:46 Naming The Movie01:07:59 Bonus Stunt Stories01:11:00 Rapid Fire Favorites01:16:15 Final Thanks And WrapSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod
Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:Rhiannan Iffland: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannan_iffland
Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward
Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw
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1 hr 12 min - Sebastian Musson: Reaching for the Impossible (DIVE Ep.26)
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exclusive clips.Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod
In this episode, we sit down with Sebastian Musson, a 19-year-old paraclimber, explains he was born without his left hand and competes in the AU2 (upper-limb amputee) category. He describes climbing one-handed using compression and chest strength, managing “barn door” swings with unique body positioning, and resting via techniques like heel hooks, while noting routes are typically set for non-disabled climbers. Musson shares how supportive family and classmates normalized his disability, though strangers’ staring once led him to hide his arm until sport and teammates helped him embrace it and welcome questions. Inspired by London 2012, he pursued elite sport, started climbing after rugby training was cancelled, and was introduced to competitions by Anita Agarwal. He discusses para climbing’s inclusion in LA 2028, limited medal categories, and his goal of Paralympic gold to prove “anything is possible,” titling his story “Reaching for the Impossible.”Show Notes
• How does an athlete build identity while balancing performance, pressure, and personal growth.• What does resilience look like when progress is not always visible or immediate.• How can athletes stay committed to long-term development in a results-driven environment.• What role does mindset play in handling setbacks, uncertainty, and competition pressure.• How do athletes learn to trust their process when outcomes are unpredictable.• What happens when expectations begin to shape confidence and self-belief.• How can sport teach discipline, patience, and ownership over one’s journey.• What does it take to perform consistently at a high level over time.• How do athletes redefine success beyond results and external validation.• What can Sebastian Musson’s journey teach us about growth, mindset, and high performance.Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:37 Born Without a Hand02:10 Paraclimbing Category Explained02:31 Climbing One-Handed Techniques06:01 Everyday Life Adaptations07:49 Supportive School Years09:56 Inspired by London 201214:09 How Climbing Began16:08 Mentors and Finding Community18:37 Stares, Confidence, and Owning It23:03 Competition Pathway and Training27:59 LA Paralympics Announcement Relief30:25 Finding the North Star31:35 Parents Back the Dream34:00 Pro Era for Para Climbing35:03 LA28 Categories Explained36:59 Lead Format and Rules41:00 Training for Ideal Routes44:05 Why Everyone Should Climb47:03 What Gold Would Mean48:20 Reaching for the Impossible52:06 Wrap Up and Bonus TeaseSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod
Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:
Sebastian Musson: https://www.instagram.com/seb_paraclimbing
Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward
Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw
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57 min - Stacey Copeland: Paving the Way (DIVE Ep.25)
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Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod
In this episode, we sit down with former international footballer and boxer Stacy Copeland about identity, exclusion, and changing stereotypes in sport and beyond. Copeland recalls falling back in love with boxing after a heartbreaking football injury and describes being forced out of a primary school football match for being a girl, then cutting her hair and using a boy’s name to keep playing. She explains how women’s football was effectively blocked through lack of FA recognition and how women’s boxing was legally banned until Jane Couch’s 1997–98 court case, alongside myths like women’s uteruses falling out if they ranmarathons. Copeland outlines her charity Pave the Way, now focused on challenging gender stereotypes for boys and girls, including school projects. She also recounts winning a Commonwealth boxing title but initially being denied a real belt, prompting her to campaign for women’s belts.Show Notes• How does an athlete rebuild identity when the sport they love tells them they do not belong.• What happens when gender becomes the biggest barrier to chasing your dream in elite sport.• How can resilience be built when rejection starts in childhood and continues into professional competition.• What does it take to challenge systems, stereotypes, and traditions that were never designed for you to succeed.• How do athletes separate self-worth from exclusion, setbacks, and the feeling of being underestimated.• What role does sport play in challenging social inequality and changing how people see themselves and others.• How can pioneers turn personal injustice into purpose that creates opportunities for future generations.• What happens when success becomes less about medals and more about creating lasting change.• How do athletes use their platform to inspire confidence, challenge bias, and break down stereotypes.• What can Stacey Copeland’s journey teach us about courage, leadership, and paving the way beyond sport.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:06 From Football to Boxing02:02 Sport Identity and Access04:38 Playing as a Boy08:03 Rejection and Resilience12:21 When Boxing Was Illegal13:01 Hidden History of Women Sport20:45 Myths That Block Women26:54 Pave The Way Origins29:41 Olympics and Weight Classes31:20 Expanding Beyond Sport33:13 Boys Can Dance34:02 Beyond Gender Lists35:02 Imposter Syndrome Stories37:04 Paved The Way Projects41:10 Sport Barriers And Bias44:25 Code Switching And Identity50:27 Commonwealth Belt Fight56:30 Advice To Younger Self59:30 Naming The Episode01:00:24 Final Thanks And WrapSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPodFollow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:Stacey Copeland: https://www.instagram.com/staceycopelandboxerFreddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodwardYona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakwLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 6 min - Luke Whitehouse: The Unbreakable Will to Win (DIVE Ep.24)
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exclusive clips.Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod
In this episode, we sit down with Luke Whitehouse to explore the mindset, progression, and belief required to perform at the highest level of gymnastics. Luke takes us inside the journey of learning and competing the triple back on floor, sharing the years of preparation, technical detail, and trust in his own instincts that made it possible. He reflects on his path from starting gymnastics in Yorkshire to becoming European champion, opening up about the challenges of late national team selection, missed opportunities, and stepping up when it mattered most. The conversation also touches on managing injuries, building confidence, and balancing elite sport with education, while keeping a long-term vision of becoming a world and Olympic champion. A powerful discussion about discipline, resilience, and performing under pressure.Show Notes• How does a young athlete transition from emerging talent to competing on the world stage in elite gymnastics.• What does it take to develop confidence performing high-risk skills under intense pressure.• How can athletes balance fear and execution when margins for error are extremely small.• What role does consistency and repetition play in building trust in your own performance.• How do athletes respond to setbacks, mistakes, and the unpredictability of competition.• What happens when expectations rise as results and visibility increase.• How can athletes stay grounded while pushing the limits of what is physically possible.• What mindset is required to perform when everything is on the line.• How does elite sport shape discipline, focus, and long-term development.• What can Luke Whitehouse’s journey teach us about courage, progression, and performing under pressure.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:39 Breaking Down the Triple Back03:28 Spotting vs Feeling in the Air04:34 Naming Rights and Skill Value06:50 How Luke Found Gymnastics09:01 Shyness to Confidence11:40 Law of Attraction Mindset14:43 Mentors and Late Squad Breakthrough18:22 European Gold and Worlds Snub23:45 Olympic Year Call Up Drama29:04 Nerves and Controlling Controllables36:37 Life Beyond Sport and Uni46:04 Injuries and Competing Hurt50:56 LA Goals and Team Medal Dream54:33 Giving Back with a Gym Club56:09 Movie Title and Wrap UpSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod
Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:
Luke Whitehouse: https://www.instagram.com/lukebwhitehouse
Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward
Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw
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1 hr 4 min - Jazmin Sawyers: Jaz of All Trades (DIVE Ep.23)
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Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpodIn this episode, we sit down with long jumper Jazmin Sawyers to explore one of the defining moments of her career and the journey that led to it. Jazmin reflects on her emotional victory at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul, where she jumped 7.00m for the first time, set a British indoor record, and secured her first major international title after years of battling self-doubt and inconsistency on the biggest stages. She opens up about the mental challenges of elite competition, including being highly self-critical, learning to separate self-worth from results, and finding ways to maintain belief through setbacks and near misses. Beyond the track, Jazmin shares how creativity and personal expression have played a key role in her wellbeing, using focused periods away from competition to reset mentally and regain clarity. The conversation also explores her Achilles rupture in 2024, the immediate reality of missing Paris, and how she approached recovery with perspective, visualization, and support from those around her, including fellow athletes and experienced staff. A powerful and honest discussion about resilience, identity, recovery, and finding gratitude in the journey — redefining success beyond medals and results.Show Notes• How does an elite athlete rebuild identity after a serious injury interrupts momentum and progress.• What does resilience really look like when setbacks force you to step away from the sport you love.• How can athletes navigate uncertainty, recovery, and the emotional challenges of being sidelined.• What happens when confidence is tested during long periods away from competition.• How do athletes separate self-worth from performance when they are unable to compete.• What role does creativity and expression play in maintaining identity beyond sport.• How can athletes stay motivated and focused during rehabilitation and return-to-play journeys.• What lessons does elite sport teach about patience, perspective, and long-term development.• How does adversity reshape ambition, mindset, and future goals.• What can Jazmin Sawyers’ journey teach us about growth, resilience, and redefining success beyond results.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:36 The First Seven-Meter Jump03:53 Seeing the Record on Board07:20 Belief Through Setbacks11:03 More Than an Athlete14:14 Ambition and Disappointment18:04 Season Goals and Failure20:49 Busy Life Boosts Performance24:23 Training Time and Recovery27:02 Obsessed or Balanced Passion33:19 I Hate Training but I Go36:13 Drive You Cannot Teach38:43 Potential and Alignment39:47 Chasing the Perfect Day40:55 Seven-Meter Gold Reflection43:11 Achilles Rupture Moment46:37 Visualization and Rehab Team48:46 Relearning Progress Metrics54:17 Finding Gratitude After Paris58:13 Avoiding Injuries and Talent01:00:41 Advice That Actually Works01:04:45 Becoming a Public Voice01:10:49 Movie Title and Wrap-UpSubscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPodFollow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:
Jazmin Sawyers: https://www.instagram.com/jazminsawyersFreddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodwardYona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakwLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 21 min - Ben Wiggins: Why Pressure Makes Diamonds (DIVE Ep.22)
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exclusive clips.Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpodIn this episode, we sit down with pro cyclist Ben Wiggins to talk about balancing identity, pressure, and ambition while developing in elite sport. Ben shares what it’s like being the son of Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins. He opens up about both the opportunities, such as access to top coaches and mentors, and the added expectations that come with his name. He also reflects on how his dad’s presence can shift the dynamic inside a velodrome. We explore his journey from playing rugby in a rugby-focused town to committing fully to cycling during COVID. With structured training and a loaned bike, he found his path and was later selected for British Cycling’s pathway program. Ben also discusses the mental side of performance. He talks about building confidence through fast progress, learning that development is not always linear, and handling high-pressure environments. He shares lessons from setbacks, including a serious elbow injury and missing Worlds selection before earning a spot at the European Championships. At the core of the conversation, Ben highlights the importance of friendships, vulnerability, and leadership, showing that success in sport goes beyond results.
Show Notes
• How does growing up around elite sport shape identity before an athlete even chooses their own path.• What does it mean to build a career while stepping out of the shadow of a famous sporting legacy.• How can young athletes balance expectation, pressure, and personal passion while developing at the highest level.• What role do setbacks, learning curves, and early failures play in long-term athletic growth.• How do athletes learn patience in a culture that celebrates instant success and rapid results.• What mindset is required to transition from promising junior talent to senior elite competitor.• How can sport teach independence, resilience, and ownership over one’s journey and decisions.• What happens when external comparisons challenge confidence and self-belief.• How do athletes define success when the journey is still unfolding rather than already completed.• What can we learn about identity, ambition, and self-discovery from building a career on your own terms.Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 Growing Up Wiggins02:49 From Rugby to Cycling05:53 Lockdown Turning Point11:19 Confidence and Trajectory15:40 Pressure and Setbacks19:04 Fear of Failure Lessons24:51 Dreaming Big Mindset28:12 Success Beyond the Bike32:28 GB Cycling Team Culture33:58 Finding Mental Balance36:18 Injury Setback Lessons38:44 Turning Pain Into Growth41:59 Mentors And Coaches45:24 Dad’s Powerful Presence49:02 Teammates Over Rivalry53:43 Becoming A Team Leader58:29 Vulnerability As Leadership01:01:42 Pressure Makes Diamonds01:06:14 Final Wrap And Next StepsGuest Pick:
Book: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Link: https://amzn.to/4aiHnBC
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from
qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at noextra cost to you and helps support the podcast.Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into
athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod
Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram:
Ben Wiggins: https://www.instagram.com/benwiggins05
Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward
Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw
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1 hr 12 min - Chemmy Alcott: Behind the Smile | Grip and Rip It (DIVE Ep.21)
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In this episode, English former World Cup alpine ski racer and broadcaster Chemmy Alcott discusses how she built her identity through skiing in a loud family with older racing brothers, including early lessons in humility from a childhood “gold medal” story. She reflects on being marketed young for her image, being judged for embracing femininity, and pushing back against a culture where women felt pressured to “ski like men,” inspired by athletes like Lindsey Vonn. Alcott explains how external expectation led her to ski at 80% for years, avoiding crashes but limiting potential, until a breakthrough World Cup run showed her “good enough” was good enough—followed by repeated serious injuries. She explores separating self-worth from results, reframing fear and failure (“win or learn”), retirement forced by amputation risk, and the hardest identity shift: motherhood and learning to slow down.Show Notes
• How does an athlete rebuild confidence after repeated injuries threaten a lifelong Olympic dream.• What does resilience really look like when setbacks happen publicly and repeatedly on the world stage.• How can elite performers transform fear into fuel when competing in high-risk environments like alpine skiing.• What happens when identity is shaped by performance from childhood through multiple Olympic cycles.• How do athletes maintain belief when progress is slow, painful, and uncertain.• What role does mindset play in returning stronger after physical and emotional setbacks.• How can embracing vulnerability help athletes perform with greater freedom and authenticity.• What lessons does elite sport teach about courage, preparation, and managing uncontrollable outcomes.• How does motherhood reshape an athlete’s perspective on success, ambition, and balance.• What can Chemmy Alcott’s journey teach us about redefining success beyond medals and results.Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:55 Gold Medal Myth02:51 Family And Identity06:05 Siblings And Image11:17 Fast And Feminine17:04 Social Media Pressure17:59 Injuries And Risk21:00 Eighty Percent Trap25:18 Solden Breakthrough29:49 Success Beyond Podiums32:12 Perfection Versus Excellence32:40 Perfect Versus Fast33:36 Julia Mancuso Mindset34:52 Forced Retirement Decision37:20 Motherhood Identity Shift39:12 Athlete Ego After Sport42:55 Reframing Failure48:07 Fear As A Superpower51:17 Why Ski Sunday Works54:55 Winter Olympics Predictions01:00:27 Movie Title Wrap UpGuest Pick:
Book: Open by Andre Agassi
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1 hr 10 min
About DIVE Beyond Sport
From the publisher's feed
DIVE (Discovering Identity, Value, and Excellence) Beyond Sport goes beneath the surface of elite sport — into the minds, moments, and messy bits of what it really means to be an elite athlete. Hosted…
by Olympic divers and long time mates Yona Knight-Wisdom and Freddie Woodward, this show isn’t about stats or podiums. It’s about the people behind the performances. From mental health to identity, purpose to transition, we explore the untold stories and honest reflections that often get left out of the highlight reels. With guests like Olympic medallists, rising stars, and athletes who've redefined their lives post-sport, DIVE is for anyone curious about what drives excellence — and what happens when the lights go off and the cameras stop rolling.