Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Eye of the Tiger (On Repeat) with Gary Smith | DIVE Ep.11 Part 2
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Eye of the Tiger (On Repeat) with Gary Smith | DIVE Ep.11 Part 2
Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and
exclusive clips.
Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod
In this episode of Dive Beyond Sports, hosts Freddie Woodward and Yona
Knight-Wisdom welcome Gary Smith, a former Olympic trampolinist and
CIRQUE performer. Gary shares his journey from recreational trampolining
to competing at the 2004 Athens Olympics and later joining Cirque du
Soleil. He reflects on his career highlights, including his meticulous
preparation for the Olympics, the thrill of performing with CIRQUE, and
his current role in sports development. Gary also provides insights into
his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of consistency,
preparation, and understanding athlete needs. The discussion touches on
the transformative power of sport, the significance of high-performance
environments, and the value of enjoyment and ambition in achieving
success.
Show Notes
• What does it take to turn a recreational trampoline hobby into an
Olympic journey.
• How does competing once a year compare to performing ten times a week
in Cirque du Soleil.
• What mindset shifts are needed when transitioning from elite athlete
to full-time performer.
• How did Gary discover his Olympic identity long before trampoline
became an Olympic sport.
• What does true preparation look like when everything comes down to a
20-second routine.
• How did Cirque du Soleil shape Gary’s understanding of teamwork,
confidence, and stage presence.
• What can athletes learn from performers about handling pressure and
staying consistent.
• How did Gary bring lessons from the stage back into high-performance
coaching for Team GB.
• What surprising challenges come with returning to coach a sport that
has evolved dramatically.
• How does Gary define excellence now—across being a father, coach,
former Olympian, and performer.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 The Impact of Lottery Funding on Trampolining
02:54 Transition to CIR and Showbiz
05:30 Experiences in Show Creation and Performance
13:38 Return to Coaching and Evolution of Trampolining
18:05 Reflecting on Coaching Journeys
19:20 Challenges and Pressures in Coaching
21:23 Insights from Top Athletes
23:48 Peak Performance Moments
27:41 Preparation and Adaptability
29:35 Defining Excellence
32:02 Supporting Athletes as a Coach
34:03 The Complexity of Trampolining
35:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Guest Picks:
Book #1: The Second Set of Eyes – Cody Royle
Link (paperback): https://amzn.to/4oZh5Jt
Book #2: A Golden Age - Steve Redgrave (Autobiography)
Link (paperback): https://amzn.to/3Locn9z
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from
qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at no
extra 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 Hosts and Guest on Instagram:
Gary Smith: https://www.instagram.com/gsmith2209
Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward
Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
View all episodes
By Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie WoodwardFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and
exclusive clips.
Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod
In this episode of Dive Beyond Sports, hosts Freddie Woodward and Yona
Knight-Wisdom welcome Gary Smith, a former Olympic trampolinist and
CIRQUE performer. Gary shares his journey from recreational trampolining
to competing at the 2004 Athens Olympics and later joining Cirque du
Soleil. He reflects on his career highlights, including his meticulous
preparation for the Olympics, the thrill of performing with CIRQUE, and
his current role in sports development. Gary also provides insights into
his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of consistency,
preparation, and understanding athlete needs. The discussion touches on
the transformative power of sport, the significance of high-performance
environments, and the value of enjoyment and ambition in achieving
success.
Show Notes
• What does it take to turn a recreational trampoline hobby into an
Olympic journey.
• How does competing once a year compare to performing ten times a week
in Cirque du Soleil.
• What mindset shifts are needed when transitioning from elite athlete
to full-time performer.
• How did Gary discover his Olympic identity long before trampoline
became an Olympic sport.
• What does true preparation look like when everything comes down to a
20-second routine.
• How did Cirque du Soleil shape Gary’s understanding of teamwork,
confidence, and stage presence.
• What can athletes learn from performers about handling pressure and
staying consistent.
• How did Gary bring lessons from the stage back into high-performance
coaching for Team GB.
• What surprising challenges come with returning to coach a sport that
has evolved dramatically.
• How does Gary define excellence now—across being a father, coach,
former Olympian, and performer.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 The Impact of Lottery Funding on Trampolining
02:54 Transition to CIR and Showbiz
05:30 Experiences in Show Creation and Performance
13:38 Return to Coaching and Evolution of Trampolining
18:05 Reflecting on Coaching Journeys
19:20 Challenges and Pressures in Coaching
21:23 Insights from Top Athletes
23:48 Peak Performance Moments
27:41 Preparation and Adaptability
29:35 Defining Excellence
32:02 Supporting Athletes as a Coach
34:03 The Complexity of Trampolining
35:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Guest Picks:
Book #1: The Second Set of Eyes – Cody Royle
Link (paperback): https://amzn.to/4oZh5Jt
Book #2: A Golden Age - Steve Redgrave (Autobiography)
Link (paperback): https://amzn.to/3Locn9z
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from
qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at no
extra 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 Hosts and Guest on Instagram:
Gary Smith: https://www.instagram.com/gsmith2209
Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward
Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices