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In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Winston interviews Frank Baines, a former international gymnast who represented Great Britain and Scotland for over 15 years. Frank shares his journey from a late starter in gymnastics to becoming the junior European champion in 2012 and competing at the Commonwealth Games three times. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a significant spinal injury that nearly ended his career, and how he used those experiences to grow both as an athlete and a physiotherapist. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of competing at a high level, the importance of mental health in sports, and the lessons learned from his successes and setbacks. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the world of gymnastics and the resilience required to overcome obstacles in pursuit of excellence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Late Start in Gymnastics : Frank began gymnastics just before his ninth birthday, initially learning skills on a trampoline before transitioning to formal training. His late start did not hinder his progress, as he quickly advanced to the GB squad due to his motivation and ability to learn.

Importance of Coaching : A significant influence on Frank's early career was his coach, Arthur Masters, who instilled discipline and focus in his training. The support and enthusiasm of coaches like Sergei also played a crucial role in his development as a gymnast.

Resilience Through Injuries : Frank experienced serious injuries, including a compression fracture of the spine and a torn tendon in his wrist. These injuries taught him the importance of physical and psychological resilience, as well as the need for proper pain management and recovery strategies.

Mental Health Awareness : The discussion highlights the often-overlooked psychological aspects of being an athlete. Frank emphasizes the need for athletes to be educated about the mental health implications of injuries and the importance of viewing themselves as more than just their sport.

Value of Experience in Competition : Competing in multiple high-stakes events, such as the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, provided Frank with invaluable experience. He learned to manage competition pressure and the significance of preparation, nutrition, and recovery in achieving performance goals.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I was quite a late starter... but we had a trampoline in our garden and one of my friends taught me how to do a somersault on it." - Frank Baines
2. "I think it was always a pretty serious kid in terms of the actual training and stuff." - Frank Baines
3. "I had compression fracture to T1 to T4... I was very concerned that I might not be able to walk again." - Frank Baines
4. "I think it's important to remind athletes that they're not just an athlete, they're more than that." - Frank Baines
5. "I was just super proud of them... it was really great to see my teammate James Hall get that opportunity to go to the World Championships." - Frank Baines

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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/