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Dominic Cunningham: World Championships, Injuries & Continuing at 30
In this episode, Winston sits down with Dominic Cunningham, a World and European finalist, Commonwealth gold medallist, and former GB gymnast who now represents Ireland on the international stage.
Dom shares his incredible journey through elite gymnastics — from the early days of ADHD-fuelled energy, to medalling at major international competitions, narrowly missing a world medal by just 0.009, and ultimately making the bold decision to switch nationalities to keep his love for the sport alive. In his trademark honest and no-filter style, Dom opens up about injuries, comebacks, battling the system, and finding joy in gymnastics again — even as he returns to the all-around at 30 years old.
Key Takeaways
Mindset & Recovery
Dom reflects on how his mental strength carried him through a devastating knee injury in 2019, and how sheer determination helped him make two World finals later that same year.
Highs & Lows of Elite Sport
He talks openly about the emotional cost of elite competition — including missing out on medals by tiny margins, battling with selection systems, and struggling with S&C expectations that didn’t suit his style of training.
Switching to Ireland
After years with Team GB, Dom explains why switching to represent Ireland reignited his love for gymnastics, what it’s been like to compete with a new team, and how he hopes to help build a stronger Irish squad for the future.
Comeback at 30
Now back training all-around after specialising for years, Dom discusses the push for the LA 2028 Olympics, why he's still hungry to compete, and how he's adapting to the new Code of Points.
Life Beyond Competing
From his honest views on coaching and gym culture to his experiences working with younger gymnasts, Dom shares what motivates him now — and what satisfaction looks like after two decades in the sport.
Best Moments
Dominic Cunningham:
"I've never been an amazing gymnast. I've just been a good gymnast who knew how to graft and enjoyed it along the way."
Winston:
"Who’s more of a professional than you? You’re literally a professional gymnast."
Dominic Cunningham:
"When you’re doing well, everyone wants to know you. But the minute you’re injured, you’re just alone in a room with your thoughts."
Dominic Cunningham:
"I’d rather snap my leg in gymnastics than in a leg press. At least then I know it was worth it."
Dom's Social Links
https://www.instagram.com/domcunn/
My Social Links
https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/
https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5
The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game
https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV
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.
View all episodes
By Winston PowellIn this episode, Winston sits down with Dominic Cunningham, a World and European finalist, Commonwealth gold medallist, and former GB gymnast who now represents Ireland on the international stage.
Dom shares his incredible journey through elite gymnastics — from the early days of ADHD-fuelled energy, to medalling at major international competitions, narrowly missing a world medal by just 0.009, and ultimately making the bold decision to switch nationalities to keep his love for the sport alive. In his trademark honest and no-filter style, Dom opens up about injuries, comebacks, battling the system, and finding joy in gymnastics again — even as he returns to the all-around at 30 years old.
Key Takeaways
Mindset & Recovery
Dom reflects on how his mental strength carried him through a devastating knee injury in 2019, and how sheer determination helped him make two World finals later that same year.
Highs & Lows of Elite Sport
He talks openly about the emotional cost of elite competition — including missing out on medals by tiny margins, battling with selection systems, and struggling with S&C expectations that didn’t suit his style of training.
Switching to Ireland
After years with Team GB, Dom explains why switching to represent Ireland reignited his love for gymnastics, what it’s been like to compete with a new team, and how he hopes to help build a stronger Irish squad for the future.
Comeback at 30
Now back training all-around after specialising for years, Dom discusses the push for the LA 2028 Olympics, why he's still hungry to compete, and how he's adapting to the new Code of Points.
Life Beyond Competing
From his honest views on coaching and gym culture to his experiences working with younger gymnasts, Dom shares what motivates him now — and what satisfaction looks like after two decades in the sport.
Best Moments
Dominic Cunningham:
"I've never been an amazing gymnast. I've just been a good gymnast who knew how to graft and enjoyed it along the way."
Winston:
"Who’s more of a professional than you? You’re literally a professional gymnast."
Dominic Cunningham:
"When you’re doing well, everyone wants to know you. But the minute you’re injured, you’re just alone in a room with your thoughts."
Dominic Cunningham:
"I’d rather snap my leg in gymnastics than in a leg press. At least then I know it was worth it."
Dom's Social Links
https://www.instagram.com/domcunn/
My Social Links
https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/
https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5
The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game
https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV
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.