Supporting Champions

Nick Matthew is three-time British and three-time World squash champion, as well as being two-time Commonwealth champion and former world number one. In this discussion we explore Nick’s early rise into the sport, particularly the breakthroughs he made through grit and perseverance. We also delve into his insights from finding his ‘super strength’ with the help of Mark Bawden and how he could apply them against his opponents. From the discussion you will also get a sense of the importance of Nick’s support team and the gratitude he shows towards them, none more so than his wife Esme.

Show Notes

Nick and Steve meet down at Hallamshire Squash Club in Sheffield and begin by discussing his squash academy and post-career squash training and competition levels. The conversation moves onto the preparation required to meet the demands of elite level squash. 

Nick wishes he was able to identify and develop ‘super strengths’ earlier on his career. In 2008, whilst overcoming injury and working with sport psychologist Mark Bawden, he was able to do this after plateauing in the top ten in the world. 

At the age of 19, Nick changed coaches and went back to basics, learning some fundamental technical skills despite being at the top of his game at a youth level on the national and international stage. 

Nick highlights the importance of not seeking the magic fix. He gives insight into the confidence he gleamed from the results he began to obtain, the process he was focusing on and the plateau’s and learning curves he faced that accelerated his learning and ranking.

Nick expands on how he used his super strength, his physical abilities and work ethic, to his advantage on the court versus many different styles of play. He details the training regime required to deliver this intense physical style of play. 

Steve and Nick explore his breakthrough into the world top ten, focusing on some of the strategies he used to get there. Steve then asks Nick about some of the key challenges and rivalries he faced during this period.   

In 2010, Nick became world number one. He shares his experiences and insights with Steve from sustaining performance in this position, including overcoming knee surgery 5 weeks prior to winning Commonwealth gold. Nick shows immense gratitude for his wife and the support staff in the English system.

Steve and Nick round off the conversation by gaining perspective on Nick’s career and discussing the current state of play in squash, the Olympics and future plans.  Follow Nick Matthew on Twitter  https://twitter.com/nickmatthew Visit Nick's website here  http://www.nickmatthew.co.uk/ Tune in to Nick's podcast here  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holding-court-the-squash-cast-with-nick-matthew/id1439788051

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

This week we are joined by Gareth Sandford, exercise physiologist at the Canadian Sports Institute. Gareth is just starting his post-doctoral studies and so in many ways you could say he is at the beginning of his career, having just wrapped up his PhD in New Zealand, but he certainly has some incredible insights to share! Yes, this story is one of studying hard, but the reason why I wanted to talk to Gareth was due to his ability to demonstrate enormous persistence in finding opportunities, creating buy-in and taking leaps of faith. Interestingly, his PhD project has allowed him to carve out a niche in high performance after travelling around the world to work with some of the world’s best running coaches and athletes.

Show Notes

Gareth begins by discussing the early experiences he had in carving out placement opportunities, internships and highlights the importance of persistence, mentoring, curiosity and realising the current state of the sport science job market. 

Gareth shares the lessons learnt from this foundational period in his career. His early experiences at Chelsea F.C. with Nick Broad accelerated his ability to problem solve and answer performance questions with impact. He also moved into coaching and discusses the skills learnt here. 

After completing an MSc in physiology at Loughborough University, Gareth encountered some setback in the pursuit of landing a role. As a result, he took some time out to travel and work in India, gaining new found outlooks on life and performance. 

Gareth begins to discuss his PhD research into the determinants of anaerobic speed reserve in middle distance running. He explains the background and role of the New Zealand institute of sport, how he drove impact and the key findings and applications from the project. 

Gareth shares some of the challenges posed in data collection in New Zealand and details how he broke away into other countries through collaborating with other coaches, developing rapport, momentum and buy in with a global community. 

Steve asks Gareth to draw on some of the key principles and stats from engaging with a performance community during his PhD project, all of which share a common cause and problem but in very different environments spread across the globe

Follow Gareth Sandford on Twitter  https://twitter.com/Gareth_Sandford 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Trent Stellingwerff, sports nutritionist is this week's guest. Trent and Steve first met as coaches in Valencia at the 2008 World Indoor Championships and he has since had a glittering career in the sport and exercise sciences. Trent now currently works at the Canadian Sports Institute, leading the track and field nutrition support team and is also the institute’s lead for innovation and research. Trent is undoubtedly one of the leading applied performance practitioners in the world, not only for his technical knowledge and skill but also the holistic manner in which he operates.

Steve and Trent begin by exploring their coaching backgrounds and Trent’s relationship with his wife, Hillary, a Canadian track and field middle distance runner.

Trent emphasises the importance of variability in one’s life and career. Steve and Trent then explore the generalist vs specialist debate, gaining breadth and depth and how Trent has maintained his specialist knowledge across his career.

Trent explores the concept of tacit knowledge and goes on to offer advice for young practitioners. He also begins to explore the variability of training, systematic overloads and the importance of the psychological and social journey.

Trent offers insight into sport science’s state of play in Canada. He covers points around pseudoscience, barriers to entry, demonstrating impact, measuring energy expenditure/intake and relative energy deficiency syndrome.

Steve and Trent highlight the importance of emotion and cultural identity on eating behaviour before examining some dietary trends.

Trent offer lessons learnt from his career to date. These include being more measured, understanding context, minimising noise, holding himself accountable to the highest standards and driving impact in research and applied work. 

Lastly, Steve asks Trent what is next?

Follow Trent on Twitter https://twitter.com/TStellingwerff 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Podcast 034

Show Notes – Performance People In this week’s episode, Steve takes the reins on his own as he shares some perspectives about developing the next generation of performance people. Over the last few years Supporting Champions have been applying the lessons learnt in elite sport into other sports, business and education and one of the areas we keep observing/hearing about is the lack of skilled graduates. People and team development has therefore been a major area of work for us and has been for Steve throughout his time at the British Olympic Association and the English Institute of Sport. A significant shift toward this began post-Beijing, focusing not only developing the performance of athletes but that too of the team behind the team. This podcast will focus on these ideas, distilling advice for people in three key early career phases; during study, transitioning out of university and attempting to land a job and after just securing a role.

Show Notes

Steve starts by sharing the “Letter to the 15,000” blog he first published in 2015 which has been read over 300,000 times across the world. The blog highlights the ever-growing concentrated graduate pool and the gaps between the education system and the workplace. Here, Steve offers advice and practical tips to those who are currently studying and preparing for life after university.

Steve starts to explore the transition out of university into the workplace and the hurdles people encounter when applying for jobs, managing online presence, differentiating self from others and the importance of work and personal experience.

So you have got the job? Now what? Steve talks about the chaotic start you will face whilst immersing yourself into your new role and environment. He emphasises the requirements of having to skill up quickly, find role clarity, broaden your network and all of this whilst still being incredibly effective under pressure.

Steve highlights the startling facts behind the university-employment gap widening. and urges you to take action, ownership and responsibility of your career. The world of work is messy, ambiguous, fast moving and pressured.

Find out how we can help you prime your knowledge in this area and get started.

Steve's book How to Support a Champion. https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Support-Champion-applying-science/dp/0995464359/

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

This week’s guest is polar explorer Antony Jinman, a former naval officer and mountain leader. Antony was the 12th Briton to ski to both the geographic north and south pole. In this interview Antony shares the ups and downs of his career, in particular coping and managing with depression. He shares with us some of the demands of designing, funding and managing an expedition off set against actually doing the training for it too. But if there is one message that comes through loud and clear in this podcast – it is purpose. Antony is completely aligned to why he does these adventures, what he is connected to, who he is connected to and the reason he does what he does.

Show Notes

Steve and Antony begin by exploring Antony’s background and his early interest in nature and exploration.

After school, Antony embarked on a career as a Naval officer and shares the moment he realised naval life wasn’t for him, opening up about his experiences of coping and managing depression.

Antony shares some of the lessons he learnt from this difficult period and the Navy, including the importance of routines and self-care practices.

So what next after the Navy? Antony started working for Explore Worldwide in Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Here he found a passion for travel, learning and people whilst also gaining appropriate expedition qualifications and developing his own school outreach programmes.

Antony begins to explain some of the demands of designing, funding and managing an expedition. It is clear his purpose for completing these expeditions is to inspire, connect and educate others, particularly children in schools.

Antony delves further into the management of expeditions and shares some of the ways he divides his time across physical training and preparing logistically.

Steve asks Antony, what is it like executing an expedition? What does a day look like on a polar expedition? Antony shares the sense of wonder, peace, overwhelming success and of dreams come true when he lands at the poles.

Antony now dreams of connecting professions into schools and the wider community in order to educate, connect and inspire others through his enterprise at www.liketobe.org

Antony is also planning a trip to the Alps and Antarctica for the 6th time in the next few years alongside some other secret plans! He also shares the potential and opportunity in future expeditions and some of the environmental challenges he may face there.

Follow Anthony online Follow Anthony on Twitter https://twitter.com/polaraj Visit Anthony's website https://www.antonyjinman.com https://www.antonyjinman.com Follow LikeToBe Online  https://www.liketobe.org 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Joe Eisenmann joins me on the Supporting Champions podcast this week as we explore the area of long-term athletic development. We discuss his background in physiology, academia and applied practice and start off by discussing some of the fundamental principles of pedagogy and how important that is in academic and practical pursuits.  We then delve into some of the research Joe has conducted on lifestyle and health related behaviours and how they relate to markers of physical activity and long-term athlete development, exploring ideas on training regimes, parental inputs and the pressures they are under. It is clear that Joe adopts a holistic, critical thinking approach to help people develop and sustain health and performance across youth and adult life. I very much enjoyed the conversation with Joe as he understands many of the dynamics involved with working in sport, such as being a specialist vs generalist, but it is the centre piece of what he does and being mindful of the development of other humans that I enjoyed most. 

Show Notes

Steve and Joe start off by discussing the management of knowledge. Specifically, the translation and implementation of knowledge to ensure academic and practical impact

Steve starts to explore Joe’s journey and his experiences in the field of athlete development. But in particular a focus on Joe’s time studying and working in Carnegie 1 academic institutions, USA Football and in consultancy.

Joe shares his passion for youth sport but tells Steve about the moment he realised his focus would have to shift to health and disease related research - where research funding was being provided. 

Joe parts with some of the major insights from his period of study into physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, stress and genetics. Joe then highlights the overlapping concepts from this research and how there is overlap with long term athletic development. 

Steve and Joe then discuss how Joe supports athletes holistically. He stresses the importance of psychosocial development and the challenges associated with working as a unit with parents, coaches and athletes.

Steve and Joe chat about doing the fundamentals of performance really well, silver bullet approaches, the specialist vs generalist concept and the important skills required to work in sport. 

Joe shares a concept he likes to talk about called ‘the living lab’ and how we collect, process, implement and review information and action. Steve and Joe then unpack the importance of relational and environmental concepts in developing talent. 

Joe emphasises the importance of coach education, the coach as a delivery system and the importance of pedagogy no matter the environmental conditions. They are leaders at the centre of an athlete’s sporting experience. 

Joe asks all of us, what is your quality of life? He believes this should be one of the most important metrics in life. A good exercise Joe suggests is to think about your ideal day. 

What is next for Joe? More of living in the moment, maintaining a good quality of life and making an impact on a daily basis with youth athletes wherever that might be. 

Follow Joe online Follow Joe on Twitter https://twitter.com/Joe_Eisenmann Visit Joe's website https://ironmanperformance.org  https://ironmanperformance.org 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

BBC Breakfast's Louise Minchin on performing in broadcasting and as an age group triathlete for team GB. Louise is a journalist and former radio presenter and is best known as the anchor on BBC1's Breakfast programme - a unique job that welcomes the day in for many people. However, you may not know that Louise has had a sharp rise into competing for Great Britain in the age group Olympic distance triathlon. In this interview Louise shares with us the spark that started this recent foray into competitive sport, how she prepares in training, how she fits this around a demanding day job, how she copes with the contrast of pressure of competing in a swim, bike, run versus the pressure of performing to millions of people every day on camera. Finally, we also discuss her new book "Dare to Tri" which has been written to encourage people to do exactly that and give something a go.

Show Notes

Steve asks Louise that obvious question…What time does she go to sleep and get up?! She then gives us an insight into the discipline required to implement routines and habits to optimise sleep.

Louise tells Steve about what sparked her return to exercise and sport and the need for a space in her life that was hers alone amidst incredible attentional demands at work on the big red sofa.

Steve asks Louise to unpack the incredible demand she performs under in her role as a BBC news presenter.

Louise then shares how she has habituated to nerves and some of the skills she has acquired in order to perform in triathlon and in front of 6 million people every day. But that doesn’t stop her getting ridiculously nervous at the beginning of a race!

In 2012, Louise joined BBC Breakfast and with the help of fellow presenter Bill Turnbull, a velodrome and some endorphins, the spark to return to competitive sport was provided.

Louise tells Steve about her athletic background and in particular her participation in swimming as youngster. Despite her love for the sport, Louise quit because of her perception of having a muscular body image. 

As a 50-year-old woman to be strong, muscular and to feel incredible as a result of training, is something Louise is now very proud of.

Steve asks Louise about her book “Dare to Tri” and then asks when was the moment she started to realise she had true ability as an athlete?

Steve and Louise then explore some of the significant moments Louise has acknowledged as particular experiences that have allowed her to develop resilience and confidence as a performing triathlete and the empowerment this brings.

In her book, Louise states the importance of breathing and…jellyfish, when preparing for performance.

Louise shares with us her current level of training, what she is working towards next and delves into her past competitive experiences and the role of her coach, Claire.

Louise embraces the sense of community, taking part without dwelling on success and the feeling of euphoria in competition.

Louise's motivation to inspire people through her book, daring to try, to exceed your own expectation, being willing to fail and to learn in whatever pursuit you may have.

Louise does not define her success by races won but by the experience, the adventure, connecting with the outdoors. They then shift focus to what she is now setting her sights on and reflect back on the experience of racing in Patagonia, Chile.

Follow Louise on Twitter https://twitter.com/louiseminchin Read Louise's book "Dare to Tri" https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/dare-to-tri-9781472961846/ Visit Louise's website https://www.louiseminchin.com 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

030: Katelyn Ohashi on finding joy in gymnastics

In this episode I talk to Katelyn Ohashi about that viral routine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ic7RNS4Dfo

Katelyn shares here journey through gymnastics

Body shaming

Writing and poetry

Advice for my daughter

Finding joy once again with Miss Val

The details of her routine and what it meant to her.

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

In Part 1 of this Podcast Special we have Head Coach of UCLA Gymnastics and orchestrator of THAT viral gymnastics' routine by Katelyn Ohashi, Miss Val Kondos Field. Miss Val and I discussed; how she was a ballerina originally but transitioned into coaching in gymnastics, the culture of gymnastics in the United States and how it has gone rotten, we unpacked her philosophies that have been galvanised by real life experiences such as her battle with cancer, her book "Life is Short Don't Wait To Dance" and of course we spoke about Katelyn Ohashi's unbelievable routine. Next week, Katelyn herself will join us on the podcast.

Miss Val had a long and successful career in ballet. She studied classical ballet and piano for 17 years. Her first transition into gymnastics came by first becoming hired to play piano for floor routines before moving into coaching.

Miss Val sees her job much more as a life skills coach, a mentor than a coach.

Coaching is all about motivating change, not dictating change. Coaching from the ego takes the joy out of learning.

Miss Val explains her philosophy, her faith and values and how she believes gymnastics teaches discipline like no other sport.

Using success in sport as a platform to spread a message with impact. Example of the voice that Michael Phelps has now in spreading message about depression.

Miss Val discusses the role of her parents and in particular being brought up without a fear of failure, how this now influences her coaching style and successes.

Initially Miss Val quickly made some lessons in coaching after some mistakes and losses.

The importance of a shared philosophical base with her athletes and fellow staff.

One of Miss Val's lessons in leadership is to surround yourself with people that you trust, rid your ego and when the time is right, allow your team to act and take charge with freedom.

Gymnastics is in recovery and Miss Val states the need to educate coaches and parents

Miss Val speaks of the abuse cases in US gymnastics and offers some of the issues within the US culture and systems.

Miss Val's reports that UCLA alumni all reported that they are stripped of a voice, made into robots and verbally and physically abused.

"The after" - athletes report that after you are no longer able to win medals and money, you are forgotten about and no longer valued as people or as athletes.

Miss Val discusses the conversations she has had with senior figures in changing American culture, not just sport and gymnastics.

Active listening, high performance habits and getting out of the desert so that you can better serve other people.

Gratitude is a critical component to UCLA's gymnastic success and is engrained into their daily practice.

Life is an adventure that requires you to learn, adapt and move fast

Miss Val shares with us the moment she was told she had an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Miss Val shares her insanely positive and infectious outlook on being diagnosed with cancer and of her trips to the chemo spa!

Val describes how she used time at chemo spa to plan for her next ventures including her book "Life is Short Don't Wait To Dance".

Miss Val tries to bring out childlike qualities in her athletes and their routines, first, by helping them find their unique voice. The best performers are joyful, spontaneous and loving in what they do.

Steve and Miss Val discuss Katelyn Ohashi's phenomenal routine that recently went viral

Katelyn's evolution into the woman embodies her journey and pays tribute to significant influences.

Miss Val shares why she believes Katelyn's routine has gone viral.

What is next for Miss Val? Retirement, the transition of her identity, learning and experiencing new things. @officialmissval http://officialmissval.com/

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Helen Jenkins is a two time World Triathlon Champion. In this interview Helen begins by discussing motherhood, her early career and the importance of early career influences such as the legendary coach Chris Jones and world champion Leanda Cave. We delve into her peak performance in San Diego, where Helen produced one of the most dominant triathlon performances in the last few decades, crushing a truly world class field. It is here where she shares the exhilaration of winning the ITU World Triathlon Series in 2008 and 2011. But then things started to unravel as she experienced knee and most significantly, a back injury in the lead up to London 2012. Managing this, Helen explores how she was thinking before, during and after the 2012 attempt that ultimately didn’t go her way. It was truly uplifting to hear how Helen reconciled this, to make sense of her amazing achievements and to think about her bigger purpose in life. ​​

Show Notes

Helen starts by reflecting over the last 12 months. She has experienced some gargantuan changes – having a baby and back surgery in the same year. 

Steve and Helen explore how Helen made adaptations to training during and after her pregnancy. Shortly after pregnancy, Helen had to make further adaptations after back surgery.  9:30 – Helen’s back injury has been her major limiting factor since 2011. This has resulted in challenges to lifestyle and performance. 

Helen discusses her early career experiences in swimming, important influences, the transition she made into triathlon and early successes. 

A big turning point in Helen’s career was training in Australia with the likes of Chris Jones, Leanda Cave and other world class athletes. Finding out what it takes to be the best. World level success soon followed.

Helen discusses the components of her success, finding consistency and her peak performances in 2011 to 2012. Notably, becoming world champion in 2008 and 2011.

San Diego in 2011 was one of Helen’s best performances across her career. 

A week after her peak performance in San Diego, injuries to the knee and back surfaced and the fight to get to London 2012 began. 

Helen didn’t train for 2-3 weeks prior to London 2012 and was amazed she was able to stand at the start line. The day before the race she could not run. 

Helen finished 5th at London 2012 in an incredible achievement. She found this tough to deal with initially but after reflecting on the experience, this is the race she is most proud of in her career. 

Helen had a large period off to recover, reflect and explore the issues surrounding her back injury with specialists. Helen dug deep to reflect and refocus. 

The difficulty Helen has in having to train less but smarter in order to achieve performance.

Helen found it tough to be upbeat for herself and her stakeholders when the injuries have taken its toll on her. 

Steve and Helen discuss how the coach-athlete/husband-wife relationship has worked successfully for Helen. An external support system has been key to its success. 

Having a flexible plan, following process and knowing that you have given 100% are Helen’s key messages for dealing with set-backs.

What is next for Helen?  Her goal is to get back competing and try to think some more about a potential career in performance lifestyle and/or coaching. 

Follow Helen on Twitter  @helenjinx 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.