The Game of Gymnastics

Winston Powell
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The Game of Gymnastics

Welcome to The Game of Gymnastics podcast, where we dive deep into the world of elite gymnastics. Join us as we explore how top gymnasts, coaches, and judges optimize training and performance to achieve peak results. We'll look into the scoring system, revealing how athletes strategically use the Code of Points to their advantage. Discover how gymnasts manage recovery and cope with the inevitable injuries that come with the sport. We’ll also explore how these athletes handle the intense pressure of competing at the highest levels, from the Olympics to the Commonwealth Games and beyond. Whether you're a gymnast, coach, or fan, this podcast offers valuable insights into how the best in the world play the game to win when it matters most.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    My Fight To Become an Olympian for Jamaica - Danusia Francis-Reid

    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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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/ Follow Danusia!  Instagram - danusiafrancis TikTok - @danusiafrancis 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.

    1h 9m

  2. FEB 11

    Italian Teamwork and Injury Recovery - Riccardo Villa

    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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 "I started gymnastics when I was six years old, thanks to my aunt... I liked it and it became a passion." - Riccardo Villa "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 "In gymnastics, if you don't have the focus, there is the risk to have an injury, an important injury." - Riccardo Villa "For me, the result doesn't matter. It's about doing your best routine and being happy with it." - Riccardo Villa "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.

    1h 28m

  3. FEB 4

    Can an Osteopath Heal Your Injury?

    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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 "Kinesiophobia means fear of pain through movement. It's not just common to sports people; it's common to everyone." - Bob Allen "We tend to look at a whole picture and try and resolve the whole picture." - Bob Allen "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 "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 "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.

    1h 9m

  4. JAN 28

    Should a Gymnast go to University if they are SERIOUS about their Sport?

    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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 "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 "With sport, you never know, you could get injured tomorrow. So you have to be prepared for these situations." - Sam Mostowfi "I think that you could wait till after your career. Gymnastics is one of those sports where you get one chance." - Sam Mostowfi "It's important to have difficulty and execution... you need to perform on the day." - Sam Mostowfi "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.

    57 min

  5. JAN 21

    Training Styles Across Borders: Caleb Drotsky's Global Gymnastics Journey

    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 MOMENTSCaleb 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.

    57 min

  6. JAN 14

    Highlights and Hurdles: Liam Jury Reflects on His Gymnastics Career

    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.

    57 min

  7. JAN 7

    The Thrill of Competition: Alex Yolshin -Cash Reflects on His Breakthrough Moments in Gymnastics

    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.

    1h 9m

  8. 12/31/2024

    One Degree a Day: Reflections, Resolutions, and Finding Your Why

    In this episode of The Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Winston shares a solo episode reflecting on the importance of goal-setting, navigating tough times, and building consistency. With the New Year approaching, he explores the concept of SMART goals and how incremental progress can lead to meaningful change. Winston also opens up about his own struggles with self-doubt and motivation, offering listeners a raw and honest perspective on overcoming challenges. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Importance of a “Why”: Understanding the deeper reason behind your goals is crucial for staying motivated, especially during tough times. SMART Framework: Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding, and Time-Bounded to maximise success. Incremental Progress: Small, consistent steps ("one degree a day") can lead to significant achievements over time. Mental Health and Reflection: Sharing personal struggles and talking to others can lighten the mental load and provide clarity. New Year’s Resolutions: Shifting the terminology and mindset around resolutions can prevent failure and encourage lasting change. BEST MOMENTS"Every single thing you do in a day, you have a reason for doing it. Whether it's conscious or subconscious, there’s something driving you." – Winston Powell"One degree a day might feel small, but over time, it makes all the difference. It’s the key to consistency and lasting progress." – Winston Powell MY SOCIAL LINKShttps://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.

    39 min
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About

Welcome to The Game of Gymnastics podcast, where we dive deep into the world of elite gymnastics. Join us as we explore how top gymnasts, coaches, and judges optimize training and performance to achieve peak results. We'll look into the scoring system, revealing how athletes strategically use the Code of Points to their advantage. Discover how gymnasts manage recovery and cope with the inevitable injuries that come with the sport. We’ll also explore how these athletes handle the intense pressure of competing at the highest levels, from the Olympics to the Commonwealth Games and beyond. Whether you're a gymnast, coach, or fan, this podcast offers valuable insights into how the best in the world play the game to win when it matters most.

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