This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with international elite gymnast Céleste Mordenti, the first gymnast from Luxembourg to ever win a FIG World Cup medal.

Céleste’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. As a young gymnast, she rose quickly through the ranks, representing Luxembourg at European and World Championships. But behind the medals and the spotlight, she battled the same struggles so many gymnasts face — fear, mental blocks, and the pressure to be perfect. At one point, she couldn’t even bring herself to swing giants, a skill she’d done for years.

In this episode, Céleste opens up about what it really takes to build lasting confidence. She shares how changing environments, learning to step back, and redefining progress helped her shift from panic and frustration to a place of trust in herself and joy in her sport again.

What makes her story so powerful is that she proves confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you can build, no matter how stuck or scared you feel.

Whether you’re a gymnast, parent, or coach, you’ll find inspiration and practical takeaways in Céleste’s story — from normalizing fear to celebrating small steps, and ultimately learning that setbacks are just part of the path to success.

In this episode, Coach Rebecca and Céleste talk about:

• Competing on the international stage as a teen
• What it feels like to get stuck in the cycle of fear and mental blocks
• How supportive coaching can completely shift an athlete’s confidence
• Why taking a step back is actually the fastest way forward

"Taking a step back isn’t leaving the path to success — it is the path to success." – Céleste Mordenti

Follow Céleste on Instagram: @celestemordenti

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