Winston interviews Kevin Penev, an accomplished gymnast who recently transitioned from competing for the USA to representing Bulgaria. Kevin shares insights into his gymnastics journey, which began in a family deeply rooted in the sport, with both parents as gymnasts and his brother also competing

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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/

Today I go over through my experience at the Men's London Open 2025, reflecting on the unique challenges faced during the competition. With temperatures soaring and a notably quick rotation between apparatus, the host discusses their routines on floor, pommel horse, vault, parallel bars, and high bar, providing insights into their performance and the mental hurdles encountered.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"It was one of the weirdest competitions that I've done in a while in terms of how I competed, how the people around me competed, and the situation in general."

"I ended up scoring like 12.55, so I think they were being a bit harsher anyway compared to what they were at teams."

"I got zero on vault. Like, there's not much to say to it. It was pretty bad."

"Even though I fell, I managed to put my 5.4 start value volume out there, which is what the plan was going into the competition."

"I more care about the scores, I more care about what it means for me going forwards in terms of selections and all that sort of stuff."

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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/

Get 10% off Rip Prevention and Protection with my code "Powell" - https://wodndone.com/?apply_coupon=powell

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell is joined by David Shamah, a talented gymnast from Stanford University and a member of the U.S. national teams for junior competitions. David shares his journey in gymnastics, starting from his early days at a hometown gym influenced by his family's history in the sport. He discusses the transition from individual competition to the team-oriented environment of NCAA gymnastics, highlighting the unique pressures and camaraderie that come with it. The conversation delves into the differences between training for NCAA events and international competitions, the importance of maintaining high difficulty in routines, and the challenges of managing expectations. David also reflects on his experiences at the Junior World Championships and other international events, emphasizing the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Looking ahead, he expresses his desire to contribute to the growth of gymnastics in the U.S. and shares his goals for the future, including a potential run for the Olympics. This episode offers valuable insights into the world of gymnastics and the dedication required to excel in the sport.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Transition from Individual to Team Dynamics : Competing in the NCAA has shifted the focus from individual performance to team success, fostering a sense of brotherhood among teammates. This transition can be challenging as it involves adjusting to the pressure of representing the team rather than just oneself.

2. Emphasis on Difficulty in Routines : The philosophy of pushing for higher difficulty in routines is a key aspect of the training approach at Stanford. This strategy aims to close the gap between Team USA and other countries, emphasizing the importance of performing difficult gymnastics consistently.

3. Unique Training Environment : Unlike many other countries with centralized training facilities, U.S. gymnasts often train in different locations, leading to varied training plans. This individuality can create challenges when coming together for national competitions, as each gymnast may be on a different training timeline.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think the hardest part is when you're competing for the team... you have 20 guys behind you that are counting on you."

"We definitely do try and go all out with the difficulty in our routines... letting the chips fall as they do."

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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 byDisruptive Media .https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Get 10% off Rip Prevention and Protection with my code "Powell" - https://wodndone.com/?apply_coupon=powell

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Winston delves into a detailed comparison of gymnastics scores between Great Britain (GB), Europe, and Asia, particularly focusing on recent competitions.

The discussion begins with an analysis of the European Championships, highlighting GB's impressive performance, including their gold medal win in the team event. Winston breaks down scores across various apparatus, noting strengths in floor, rings, and vault, while identifying areas for improvement in pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bar.

Transitioning to the Asian Championships, the episode reveals the competitive landscape, showcasing how GB's scores stack up against top Asian gymnasts. The host emphasizes the need for GB to elevate their performance on certain apparatus to remain competitive on the world stage. Throughout the episode, listeners gain insights into the scoring dynamics and what aspiring gymnasts should aim for in their routines.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Comparison of Scores : The episode focuses on comparing the gymnastics scores of Great Britain (GB) with those from Europe and Asia, highlighting areas where GB excels and where improvements are needed, particularly in pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bar.

2. Team Performance : GB's gymnastics team performed exceptionally well, securing gold in the team event with notable contributions from gymnasts like Harry Hepworth, Luke Whitehouse, and Jake Jarman, showcasing strong scores on floor and rings.

3. Areas for Improvement : Despite strong performances in certain apparatus, GB's scores on pommel horse and parallel bars were below the European average, indicating a need for improvement in these areas to compete effectively on the world stage.

4. Asian Championships Insights : The analysis of the Asian Championships revealed that while GB is competitive in several apparatus, they lag significantly behind in high bar and parallel bars, with Asian gymnasts achieving notably higher scores.

5. Future Goals : The discussion emphasizes the importance of aiming for higher execution and difficulty scores, with a focus on achieving stick bonuses in routines to enhance overall performance and competitiveness in future events.

BEST MOMENTS

6. "So our floor is in a very, very strong position, especially with those three in it."

7. "We really need to push on pommels. We want potentially one up towards 14 and then the rest around 13, five-ish."

8. "In terms of the competition results, we can really rely upon and compare against right now, that's just what's good."

9. "When you look at the highest scores, they are way ahead in terms of all-around, but that's always been true."

10. "If you want to be pushing for those high scores, getting stick bonuses on each of those apparatus is really important."

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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 byDisruptive Media .https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Get 10% off Rip Prevention and Protection with my code "Powell" - https://wodndone.com/?apply_coupon=powell

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Winston delves into a detailed comparison of gymnastics scores between Great Britain (GB), Europe, and Asia, particularly focusing on recent competitions.

The discussion begins with an analysis of the European Championships, highlighting GB's impressive performance, including their gold medal win in the team event. Winston breaks down scores across various apparatus, noting strengths in floor, rings, and vault, while identifying areas for improvement in pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bar.

Transitioning to the Asian Championships, the episode reveals the competitive landscape, showcasing how GB's scores stack up against top Asian gymnasts. The host emphasizes the need for GB to elevate their performance on certain apparatus to remain competitive on the world stage. Throughout the episode, listeners gain insights into the scoring dynamics and what aspiring gymnasts should aim for in their routines.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Comparison of Scores : The episode focuses on comparing the gymnastics scores of Great Britain (GB) with those from Europe and Asia, highlighting areas where GB excels and where improvements are needed, particularly in pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bar.

2. Team Performance : GB's gymnastics team performed exceptionally well, securing gold in the team event with notable contributions from gymnasts like Harry Hepworth, Luke Whitehouse, and Jake Jarman, showcasing strong scores on floor and rings.

3. Areas for Improvement : Despite strong performances in certain apparatus, GB's scores on pommel horse and parallel bars were below the European average, indicating a need for improvement in these areas to compete effectively on the world stage.

4. Asian Championships Insights : The analysis of the Asian Championships revealed that while GB is competitive in several apparatus, they lag significantly behind in high bar and parallel bars, with Asian gymnasts achieving notably higher scores.

5. Future Goals : The discussion emphasizes the importance of aiming for higher execution and difficulty scores, with a focus on achieving stick bonuses in routines to enhance overall performance and competitiveness in future events.

BEST MOMENTS

6. "So our floor is in a very, very strong position, especially with those three in it."

7. "We really need to push on pommels. We want potentially one up towards 14 and then the rest around 13, five-ish."

8. "In terms of the competition results, we can really rely upon and compare against right now, that's just what's good."

9. "When you look at the highest scores, they are way ahead in terms of all-around, but that's always been true."

10. "If you want to be pushing for those high scores, getting stick bonuses on each of those apparatus is really important."

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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 byDisruptive Media .https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, Winston provides an in-depth recap of the British Team Championships, highlighting both the competition and the challenging build-up leading to it. With a team facing injuries and limited members, the host discusses the performances of teammates Jacob, Romel, and Fraz, as well as their own contributions across various apparatuses, including rings, vault, parallel bars, high bar, and pommel horse. The episode captures the highs and lows of the competition, detailing individual routines, scores, and the team's overall fourth-place finish, just shy of a medal. The host emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and looking forward to future competitions, while also celebrating the achievements of rival teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Team Challenges : The team faced significant challenges leading up to the British Team Championships, with several members dealing with injuries and limited training time, which put them at a disadvantage compared to other teams.

2. Competition Format : The competition format required three scores to count for most apparatus, which meant that any mistakes had a direct impact on the team's overall performance. This was particularly challenging given the limited number of team members available to compete.

3. Individual Performances : Each team member had varying levels of success in their routines. For instance, Jacob managed to perform well despite a shoulder injury, while others like Romel and Joe faced difficulties but still contributed to the team's efforts.

4. Final Results : The team finished fourth in the competition, just a mark away from a medal. This outcome highlighted both the potential for improvement and the need to address individual mistakes made during routines.

5. Focus on Improvement : The team recognized the importance of learning from their experiences and focusing on areas for improvement, such as difficulty in routines and execution, rather than dwelling on missed opportunities.

BEST MOMENTS

6. "We thought we'd have seven or eight people eligible and able to do this competition. In the end, we ended up with Romel, Jacob, Fraz, and me."

7. "If one person fell, you had to count the four. Which put us at a disadvantage."

8. "He managed to get it around to his feet, step back, scored 13-8. It was a good vault."

9. "We ended up coming fourth, which is quite a hard place to come because you're so close to a medal."

10. "Leeds won and then South Essex was second and Knotts were third, and they were all deserved."

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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 byDisruptive Media .https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell talks to Jamie Lewis, the current English and British all-around champion, as shares his journey through gymnastics, including his early beginnings, the challenges of transitioning from junior to senior levels, and the impact of injuries on his career. Jamie reflects on his recent successes, including his impressive performances at the English and British Championships, where he showcased his skills and resilience after recovering from a significant wrist injury. He discusses the importance of mindset in competition, the camaraderie within the GB squad, and his aspirations for the future, including his ultimate goal of winning an Olympic medal. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights into the world of gymnastics and the dedication required to excel in the sport.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I think the competitiveness came out of me. I was like, I'm gonna try and do a backflip as well, if he's doing it."
2. "When something gets taken away from you unexpectedly, you realize what that thing was to you... I just want this thing back."
3. "I think just going into these competitions was just like, I miss that feeling of putting my arm up."

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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 byDisruptive Media .https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston is joined by Tejal Patel, the Pathway Support Lead at British Gymnastics, who holds a PhD in training load, injury, growth, and maturation in gymnastics. Tejal shares insights into her role, emphasizing the importance of developing gymnasts not just as athletes but as well-rounded individuals. The conversation delves into the performance pathway in gymnastics, the significance of a holistic approach to athlete development, and the challenges faced by young gymnasts, particularly during transitions from junior to senior levels. Tejal discusses the importance of education, communication, and support systems in helping gymnasts navigate their journeys, while also addressing the pressures they face. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the intersection of sports science and personal growth in the world of gymnastics.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

1. "It's just so important that you've got different elements in your life, like gymnastics is a part of your identity." - Tejal Patel
2. "We can actually sort of predict roughly when you're going to go through your growth spurt, and it's really important because during this time you're at an increased risk of injury." - Tejal Patel
3. "It's about developing. You don't have to be perfect, you don't have to be the best. Play the long game." - Tejal Patel
4. "I think the sport maybe attracts a lot of perfectionists, and that's not a bad thing. But that comes with extra pressure." - Tejal Patel
5. "Sometimes a bad day can just happen. Some days are just not right." - Winston Pal

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/ https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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 byDisruptive Media .https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston engages in a lively Q&A session, answering a variety of questions submitted by listeners via Instagram. He shares insights into his personal experiences with injuries in gymnastics, discussing the frequency and recovery times associated with various injuries. Winston also reveals his favorite skills, the fun aspects of gymnastics, and the impact of joint strain over time. He reflects on his journey in the sport, from starting gymnastics at a young age to his current goals, including upcoming competitions and aspirations for the Commonwealth Games. The episode delves into philosophical questions about the nature of gymnastics, the balance between flexibility and strength, and the importance of mistakes in the pursuit of perfection. Listeners are encouraged to engage further by leaving comments and suggestions for future episodes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I've had both shoulders, back, basically the entirety of my arm... there's quite a lot of injuries."
2. "If you're not finding it fun, why are you actually doing it in the first place?"
3. "Mistakes are the way you move forwards. Mistakes are the thing that drives progress."
4. "If form is everything, where does freedom go? It's an interesting question because it makes sense."
5. "In terms of the domestic competitions, I want to be one enough in the British teams and London Open to qualify for the World Cup in Paris."

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/

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/ 

Get 10% off Rip Prevention and Protection with my code "Powell" - https://wodndone.com/?apply_coupon=powell

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

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

MY SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/ 

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/