In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell is joined by three talented gymnasts from the Leeds Gymnastics Academy: Jonas Rushworth, Mikey Goddard, and Elliot Vernon. All members of the GB Senior Development Squad, they share their journeys into gymnastics, memorable competition experiences, and the dynamics of training together. The conversation delves into the importance of motivation, discipline, and the supportive yet competitive environment at Leeds. The gymnasts discuss their individual goals for the upcoming years, the impact of the new code of points on their routines, and the significance of enjoying the journey in gymnastics. With a mix of humor and camaraderie, this episode offers insights into the lives of young athletes striving for excellence in their sport.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Training Environment : The gymnasts emphasize the importance of a supportive and competitive training environment at Leeds Gymnastics Academy, where they motivate each other and hold one another accountable for their performance.
2. Goals and Aspirations : Each gymnast has clear short-term and long-term goals, including aspirations for international competitions, national championships, and ultimately the Olympic Games. They recognize the importance of setting specific targets to guide their training.
3. Discipline vs. Motivation : The discussion highlights the distinction between motivation and discipline, with discipline being crucial for consistent training and progress. They stress that while motivation can help push through tough sessions, discipline ensures regular attendance and effort in the gym.
4. Enjoying the Journey : The gymnasts encourage younger athletes to learn to love all aspects of gymnastics, including competition and the challenges of training. They believe that appreciating the journey and the hard work involved is essential for long-term success.
5. Importance of Rehabilitation : They discuss the significance of prehab and rehab in preventing injuries, especially for younger gymnasts. Establishing good habits early on can help maintain physical health and longevity in the sport.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I think just learn to love competing as early as you can, because I think that will get you ahead of the game earlier." - Jonas Rushworth
2. "The environment that we've grown up in... definitely made us push a little more and helped us." - Mikey Goddard
3. "It's not like a mega intense environment... we found a good balance between serious training and having fun." - Elliot Vernon
4. "It ain't motivation, it's discipline. You've got to come in every single day and work hard, no matter how you feel." - Winston Powell
5. "I think the new code is definitely going to make the competition way more exciting." - Mikey Goddard

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.

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell is joined by Ben Young, a senior strength and conditioning coach with extensive experience in British gymnastics, particularly with the trampolining team leading up to their success in Paris. They delve into the critical role of strength and conditioning (S&C) in developing gymnasts, discussing how to effectively integrate S&C programs into the demanding training schedules of athletes. Ben shares insights from his unique journey into the field, the importance of profiling gymnasts' physical capabilities, and how tailored S&C programs can address specific needs and prevent injuries. The conversation also highlights the differences in training approaches for various gymnastics disciplines, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between coaches, athletes, and S&C specialists to optimize performance and safety.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Importance of Strength and Conditioning (S &C): S&C is crucial for gymnasts to prevent injuries, enhance performance, and address imbalances caused by repetitive movements in their sport. It helps gymnasts manage the high forces they experience during training and competition.
2. Profiling and Individualization : Profiling gymnasts allows coaches to assess their physical capabilities and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach helps tailor S&C programs to meet the specific needs of each gymnast, ensuring they can safely progress in their training.
3. Collaboration with Coaches : Effective S&C programs require collaboration between strength coaches, technical coaches, and physiotherapists. Understanding the priorities of gymnastic training and integrating S&C into the overall training plan is essential for optimizing performance.
4. Microdosing for Efficiency : Microdosing involves breaking down S&C work into smaller, manageable sessions throughout the week. This approach allows gymnasts to accumulate training volume without overwhelming their schedules, making it easier to fit S&C into their existing training routines.
5. Focus on Core and Shoulder Strength : Core strength is vital for all gymnasts to maintain proper body shapes and transfer force effectively during skills. Additionally, shoulder strength is particularly important for male gymnasts, especially those performing on rings, to prevent injuries and enhance performance.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "Gymnasts are brilliant at problem-solving movement challenges, but the problem is you're not always aware... coaching them to do certain S&C movement patterns, they just absorb it and get it straight away." - Ben Young
2. "If you want to jump higher... the forces they're exposed to on landing are going to be higher." - Ben Young
3. "If you want something to change, then something probably needs to change." - Ben Young
4. "I think collaboration is the key... it shouldn't be the be all or end all." - Ben Young
5. "If you were to lean up a little bit by one kilo... you're saving yourself 10 kilos of force on landing." - Ben Young

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.

In this episode, Winston is joined by Chelsea Orme, a sports psychologist from Grey Matters, who works closely with British Gymnastics. They delve into the critical aspects of building confidence in high-pressure situations, particularly in gymnastics, and explore the role of visualisation in enhancing performance. Chelsea shares her journey into sports psychology, the differences between gymnastics and other sports, and the importance of understanding both gymnasts and coaches in creating a supportive environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sports psychology emphasises the development of various mental skills, such as self-regulation, focus, and visualization, which are crucial for athletes to perform under pressure and manage competition nerves.

• Visualisation is a powerful tool that can be used for skill acquisition, confidence building, and coping with setbacks. Athletes should visualise not only successful performances but also how to handle mistakes and challenges during competitions.

• Nerves can be beneficial as they help focus attention. Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, athletes should learn to redirect their focus towards positive outcomes and the process of performance rather than the fear of failure.

• After poor performances, it's essential for athletes to engage in realistic evaluation, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. This reflective practice helps in building resilience and preparing for future competitions.

• There is no one-size-fits-all solution in sports psychology. Each athlete may respond differently to various strategies, and it’s important to tailor approaches based on individual needs, preferences, and experiences.

BEST MOMENTS

"Every sport is very different, but also at the same time, applies a lot of the same mental skills in terms of what's needed."

"A big part of psychology is trial and error and reflection along with that."

"Nerves help us focus. The biggest issue is when we then don't put that focus into the right things."

"You want to go, no, I went out there and enjoyed every moment of it, no matter how it went."

"It's about how you reflect on that as a way to grow or as a way to damage your confidence."

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.

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston is joined by Danusia Francis-Reid, a veteran gymnast and Olympian who has represented both Great Britain and Jamaica. They delve into Danusia's journey from her early days in gymnastics, where her passion was ignited by a simple after-school club, to her impressive career that includes competing at the NCAA level and ultimately becoming an Olympian in Tokyo 2020. The conversation explores the unique aspects of gymnastics, the differences between elite and collegiate competition, and the mental and physical challenges faced by gymnasts. Danusia shares her experiences with the pressures of competition, the importance of a supportive network, and the evolution of her love for the sport. The episode also touches on the need for better audience engagement in gymnastics and how the sport can learn from collegiate practices to enhance its presentation and accessibility.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Journey in Gymnastics : Danusia Francis-Reed's journey in gymnastics began at a young age, influenced by her mother's efforts to keep her and her siblings engaged in activities. Her passion for gymnastics grew as she discovered her talent, leading her to a scholarship at Heathrow and a successful career in both British and NCAA gymnastics.
2. Transition to NCAA : The transition to NCAA gymnastics provided a more enjoyable and team-oriented environment compared to elite gymnastics. The emphasis on fun, performance, and the opportunity to compete frequently helped Danusha regain her love for the sport and improved her competitive mindset.
3. Competing for Jamaica : Competing for Jamaica allowed Danusia to experience a different side of gymnastics, where she had more freedom and less stringent rules compared to her time with British Gymnastics. This transition was both challenging and liberating, as it required self-funding and navigating a less established governing body.
4. Olympic Experiences : Danusia's journey to the Olympics was marked by near misses, including being a reserve for London 2012 and not being selected for Rio 2016. However, she persevered and ultimately achieved her dream of competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, despite facing an ACL injury during the games.
5. Mental Resilience and Support : Throughout her career, Danusia emphasized the importance of mental resilience and having a strong support network. She learned to cope with the pressures of gymnastics by fostering a positive environment, both for herself and her teammates, and by focusing on enjoyment and personal growth rather than solely on competition outcomes.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think I sort of stayed at least in the top six all throughout my career with Great Britain."

"I always keep that medal. That's one of my favorite medals because it was such a big moment for my young self."

"I think the elite scoring system is just so complicated. Even if they keep it the same, can it be explained and broken down better?"

"It was hard because that would have been what my career had really built up to."

 

SOCIAL LINKS

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

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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.

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston Powell welcomes Italian gymnast Riccardo Villa, who shares insights from his impressive junior career, including a junior European gold and two junior world bronze medals. The conversation delves into Riccardo's journey in gymnastics, his training regimen, and the unique experience of being coached by gymnastics legends Igor Cassina and Alberto Busnari. Riccardo discusses the mental and physical challenges of the sport, including dealing with injuries and the pressure of competition. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process of gymnastics, the camaraderie among teammates, and the thrill of achieving new skills. The episode also touches on the evolving nature of gymnastics codes and the impact of new rules on performance. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and passion that drives athletes like Riccardo in their pursuit of excellence in gymnastics.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Passion for Gymnastics : Riccardo Villa emphasizes that his love for gymnastics drives him to continue pushing himself. He finds joy in learning new skills and routines, which motivates him to train hard and improve.
2. Training Philosophy : Training involves a structured approach where the first half of the preparation focuses on building endurance and strength, while the latter half is dedicated to refining routines and execution. This method helps gymnasts peak at the right time for competitions.
3. Mental Preparation : Overcoming anxiety and focusing on performing routines to the best of one's ability is crucial. Riccardo highlights the importance of enjoying the process rather than fixating on the results, which helps alleviate pressure during competitions.
4. Team Dynamics : Being part of the Italian gymnastics team fosters a sense of camaraderie and support. Riccardo values the friendships formed through shared experiences and the collective effort to achieve success as a team.
5. Injury Management : Riccardo discusses the challenges of dealing with injuries, particularly his wrist injury, and the importance of recovery and prevention. He acknowledges that injuries are a part of the sport and emphasizes the need for mental resilience during the rehabilitation process.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I started gymnastics when I was six years old, thanks to my aunt... I liked it and it became a passion." - Riccardo Villa
2. "When I do a new element, new exercise, new routine, I'm so proud of me because I work all the time for that." - Riccardo Villa
3. "In gymnastics, if you don't have the focus, there is the risk to have an injury, an important injury." - Riccardo Villa
4. "For me, the result doesn't matter. It's about doing your best routine and being happy with it." - Riccardo Villa
5. "If you do a perfect exercise, zero penalties, and you stick it, your score will be more high than your start." - Winston Powl

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.

In this episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston welcomes Bob Allen, an experienced osteopath, as the first non-gymnastics guest. Bob shares his journey from a 20-year career in IT to becoming an osteopath, highlighting the holistic approach of osteopathy in treating muscle and joint problems. The discussion delves into the differences between osteopathy and physiotherapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the body as a whole rather than just focusing on the site of pain. Bob introduces the concept of kinesiophobia, the fear of pain through movement, and explains how it can affect athletes, particularly gymnasts. The episode also touches on the significance of proper rehabilitation and the mental challenges athletes face when returning to their sport after an injury. Overall, it provides valuable insights into the interconnectedness of body mechanics and the psychological aspects of injury recovery in sports.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Understanding Kinesiophobia : Kinesiophobia refers to the fear of pain through movement, which can affect anyone, including athletes. This fear can lead to avoidance of certain movements, resulting in stiffness and increased susceptibility to further injuries.
2. Holistic Approach in Treatment : Osteopathy emphasizes a holistic approach, considering not just the site of pain but also the overall body mechanics, including factors like age, fitness levels, and diet. This comprehensive view helps in identifying the root cause of issues rather than just treating symptoms.
3. Importance of Proprioception : After an injury, proprioception—the body’s ability to sense its position and movement—can be impaired. Rehabilitation should focus on retraining proprioceptive feedback to restore balance and coordination, which is crucial for athletes.
4. Gradual Return to Activity : Athletes should avoid rushing back into full training after an injury. Instead, they should start with basic movements and gradually increase intensity to rebuild confidence and ensure proper healing, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of recovery.
5. Mental Blocks from Injury : Injuries can create mental barriers that affect performance. Athletes may develop a fear of re-injury, which can lead to compensatory movement patterns that reinforce imbalances. Overcoming these mental blocks is essential for a successful return to sport.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "Kinesiophobia means fear of pain through movement. It's not just common to sports people; it's common to everyone." - Bob Allen
2. "We tend to look at a whole picture and try and resolve the whole picture." - Bob Allen
3. "The brain is very good at learning new skills, so if you're doing that little imbalanced thing, your brain is actually going to treat that as a new movement pattern." - Bob Allen
4. "If you go to a GP, they think you need some physical therapy; again, they will send you to a physio 99 times out of 100." - Winston
5. "It's very rare that it's one specific thing that's causing the problem." - Bob Allen

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.

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Sam Mostowfi shares his extensive journey in gymnastics, spanning over 15 years within the GB program. He reflects on his remarkable junior career, including experiences at the Youth Olympic Games and Junior World Championships, and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his competitive opportunities. Transitioning to university life, Sam emphasises the importance of education alongside athletics, detailing his decision to pursue a degree in business management while balancing rigorous training. He offers insights into the challenges of managing time and expectations as a high-performance athlete, the significance of competition experience, and the evolving landscape of gymnastics with the new code of points. As he gears up for the upcoming Olympic cycle, Sam shares his goals and strategies for success, highlighting the importance of collaboration with coaches and the value of consistent performance in a team environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Balancing Education and Gymnastics : The decision to pursue a university education while training as a gymnast can be challenging but rewarding. It provides valuable life experiences and skills that contribute to personal development, even if it means sacrificing some time in the gym.
2. Importance of Competition Experience : Competing regularly, such as participating in leagues, helps gymnasts maintain their performance under pressure and gain confidence. It is essential for developing the ability to perform well on competition day.
3. Individualized Training Approaches : As gymnasts mature, they gain more autonomy in their training. Collaborating with coaches to tailor training programs to individual needs is crucial for optimizing performance and addressing specific weaknesses.
4. Strategic Skill Selection : In gymnastics, it's important to weigh the risks and rewards of attempting new skills. Focusing on consistency and execution is often more beneficial than simply trying to increase difficulty without the ability to perform under pressure.
5. Team Dynamics and Contributions : In a team environment, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses is vital. Contributing reliable scores on specific apparatuses can be more valuable than attempting high-risk skills that may not yield consistent results.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I've traveled the world, gone to new countries, met some amazing people... these are life experiences and have helped to develop me as an athlete." - Sam Mostowfi
2. "With sport, you never know, you could get injured tomorrow. So you have to be prepared for these situations." - Sam Mostowfi
3. "I think that you could wait till after your career. Gymnastics is one of those sports where you get one chance." - Sam Mostowfi
4. "It's important to have difficulty and execution... you need to perform on the day." - Sam Mostowfi
5. "You need to do what's best and make the best decision you can at that current time." - Winston Powell

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.

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Caleb Drotsky shares his extensive gymnastics journey, having trained in various countries including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and now Great Britain. He discusses the differences in training styles across these regions, highlighting the structured approach in New Zealand and Australia compared to the more individualised training seen in Japan.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Diverse Training Experiences: Caleb Drotsky has trained in various countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Great Britain, each offering different training styles and structures. For instance, training in Japan was more individualised compared to the structured programs in Australia and New Zealand.
• Importance of Consistency: Caleb emphasises the significance of consistency in routines and skills, particularly as he prepares for competitions. He believes that having a solid routine with manageable difficulty is crucial for success, especially when competing at a high level.
• Focus on Skill Development: He discusses specific skills he aims to incorporate into his routines, such as a front double pike on floor and various pommel horse elements. This highlights the importance of skill progression and the need to adapt routines to meet competitive standards.
• Long-Term Goals: Caleb has set ambitious long-term goals, including competing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and aiming for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games. He recognizes the need for upgrades in difficulty and the importance of being a reliable competitor to achieve these goals.

BEST MOMENTS
Caleb Drotsky: "From what I've seen, training here is quite similar to what I saw in Japan, which is entirely different to Australia and New Zealand, where it's a lot more structured."

Caleb Drotsky: "In Japan, the juniors would come in and do really anything, and it would differ every single day. I never saw them do the same thing twice."

Caleb Drotsky: "I think at the club we went to, Konami, you have to be quite an intrinsically motivated gymnast to be able to train there."

 

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.

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Liam Jury shares insights into his extensive gymnastics journey, which began at the age of six and has spanned over 15 years at Notts. He discusses his progression through various squads, including his time on the GB development and junior squads, and highlights significant achievements such as his first international competition and recent successes at the Northern Euros and British teams. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gymnastics Journey: Liam Jury has been involved in gymnastics for about 15 years, starting at the age of six. He progressed through various squads, including the GB development squad and junior squad, and has achieved significant milestones, including his first international competition in 2017.
• Career Highlights: Key highlights of Liam's career include his first international competition, a third-place finish in the vault final at the 2022 Northern Euros, and a successful return to full fitness after elbow surgery, culminating in a clean competition at the London Open.
• Upcoming Competitions: Liam is preparing for the Northern Europeans in Dublin, aiming to compete on all six apparatuses. He is focused on maximising his performance under the new code of points, which includes adapting to new requirements and skill levels.
• New Code of Points: The new gymnastics code introduces changes that require gymnasts to perform higher difficulty elements to meet requirements. For example, on rings, gymnasts must include two D elements, and on floor, dismounts must now be double somersaults.

BEST MOMENTS
"First International was obviously a massive highlight because going from the time between my first international and a couple of years before that, I would never have guessed I'd have gone on international." - Liam Jury

"I think in general, obviously, the complete removal of pressure and just taking it as it came was probably what helped a lot." - Liam Jury

"I don't really see the reasoning behind it, if I'm honest. I think it may take away from some routines." - Interviewer

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.

In this episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, Winston delves into Alex's impressive gymnastics journey, from his early days in a Gymnastics Club to becoming the London Open All-Round Champion and representing Great Britain at the Junior World Championships. Alex shares insights into his training experiences, challenges with injuries, and the emotional rollercoaster of competing on international stages. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Early Beginnings and Progression: Alex Yolshin-Cash started gymnastics at a young age (around four or five) at Utoxia Gymnastics Club, where he initially trained at a club level. His journey progressed significantly when he began competing in elite grades, leading to his first major opportunity with the GB national squad.
• International Competitions: Alex's first international competition was the Cottbus friendly in Germany, which was crucial for his qualification for the Junior World Championships in Turkey. His performance at the English Championships solidified his place on the Junior Worlds team, marking a significant breakthrough in his gymnastics career.
• Challenges and Injuries: Leading up to the Junior World Championships, Alex faced physical challenges, including lower back pain. Despite these difficulties, he managed to compete and perform well, demonstrating resilience and determination.
• Team Dynamics and Support: Throughout his competitions, Alex emphasised the importance of team dynamics and support from coaches and teammates. He felt a sense of responsibility to perform well for the team and appreciated the camaraderie that helped him stay focused and motivated.

BEST MOMENTS
"I started gymnastics around, I'd say about four or five at Utoxia Gymnastics Club... my gymnastics journey was rather slow." - Alex Cash

"That competition was rather important for me because that was one half of the qualification for the Junior World Championships in Turkey." - Alex Cash

"I almost felt coming into the Junior Worlds that I was slightly underprepared." - Alex Cash

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.