The Opponents

Iona Roberts

Stories to fuel your training. Sports marketeer Iona Roberts meets people doing big things in fitness, sport and life - from running, CrossFit, Hyrox and endurance sports to combat sports, mountaineering and beyond - we go deep into the mindset, mental toughness and resilience behind extraordinary performance. If training seriously is part of who you are, this show is for you.

Episodes

  1. How $15M Fitness Brand WIT Almost Lost Everything & Important Advice For Founders - Dan Williams

    6 MAR

    How $15M Fitness Brand WIT Almost Lost Everything & Important Advice For Founders - Dan Williams

    Dan Williams, Co-Founder of WIT Fitness, shares his extraordinary story of spotting the rise of fitness as a sport, growing WIT into a global, eight-figure fitness brand in 3 years, losing control of the company through investor and market challenges, and ultimately buying the brand back. We talk about the early days of WIT, the day Dan and his Co-Founder Sam pitched the idea of fitness as a sport in it's own right to Nike (!), the meteoric rise of WIT, the serious challenges that WIT then faced and what was really going on behind the scenes during those very difficult times. Dan also shares his predictions for the future of the fitness industry and some hugely valuable advice for any entrepreneurs and young brands entering the space. Dan is now working on a very exciting new concept call the Fifth - a high performance members club that leads with fitness, which will hopefully be opening in London in late 2026! To sign up for early access head to: www.thefifth-club.com

    49 min
  2. Brand Deals, Representation & Life As A Sports Agent - Cooper Marsh & Snorri Baron Jonsson (Virtual)

    20 FEB

    Brand Deals, Representation & Life As A Sports Agent - Cooper Marsh & Snorri Baron Jonsson (Virtual)

    Snorri and Cooper are top (competing!) Sports Agents and Athlete Managers within the niche sports space, representing athletes in sports such as CrossFit, Hyrox and weightlifting, with a TON of knowledge to share. This interview should be particularly interesting for: - Any young athletes thinking of pursuing a career in a niche sport like CrossFit, weightlifting or HYROX. - Any new brands wondering how athlete sponsorship works. - Anyone who has ever wondered what it’s like to be a sports agent. Some of the questions I asked Cooper and Snorri: - Just how important is social media for athletes to earn a living in niche sports? - How much can niche sports athletes potentially earn from brand deals? - What happens when a young athlete has their first conversation with an agent regarding representation? - How are athletes and brands matched up? - What’s it like being a sports agent? - How did Cooper and Snorri become sports agents? - Who are 2 athletes to watch out for in 2026?! If you enjoy this interview, you can support the show by leaving a rating. Thank you! #TheOpponentsPodcast #NicheSports #CrossFit #Hyrox #Weightlifting #AthleteManagement #SportsMarketing

    34 min
  3. Lucy Campbell - The Pain Cave, Long Distance Swimming & That INCREDIBLE CrossFit Comeback (4K)

    13 FEB

    Lucy Campbell - The Pain Cave, Long Distance Swimming & That INCREDIBLE CrossFit Comeback (4K)

    CrossFit Games Athlete, Lucy Campbell is a former gymnast, long distance open-water swimmer and current 2nd 'Fittest on Earth'. Lucy made the most extraordinary comeback to CrossFit last year having not long before been told by a surgeon to “find another sport”. She didn’t take no for an answer and instead left no stone unturned in her quest to find a solution to her injury and get back to the top of the sport - heralding the saying that her fans now all know and love: “Find A Way”. In this interview we talk about: - Lucy’s background in the brutal sport of long distance open-water swimming. - Her relationship with the pain cave. - The story of her battle to find a solution to her wrist pain in order to save her CrossFit career. - Her phenomenal comeback last season after two painstaking years and being told by one surgeon ‘to find another sport’. - The importance of social media for sustaining a career financially as an athlete in CrossFit.- Lucy's socials - What it’s like training and competing at big events with all those cameras on you. - The biggest difference Lucy sees in training between elite athletes and everyday athletes. - How she handles things going wrong in competition. If you enjoy this interview, please leave a rating. Thank you. #theopponentspodcast #lucycampbell #crossfit #crossfitgames #findaway

    38 min
  4. What It Takes To Attempt Everest & The Real SAS Selection - Jay Morton

    30 JAN

    What It Takes To Attempt Everest & The Real SAS Selection - Jay Morton

    Jay Morton is a former SAS Operator and current mountain expedition leader who has achieved the extraordinary feat of summiting Mount Everest TWICE….and the second time very nearly killed him. You may also recognise him from the hit UK TV Show, SAS Who Dares Wins. In this conversation we speak about: - What it feels like to summit Everest - The story of Jay's near death experience on Everest - The physical training and mindset required to climb a big mountain. - How to manage altitude - Jay’s thoughts on personal goals - Decision making lessons learnt in the SAS - SAS Selection - the difference between who passes and who doesn’t. - SAS Selection Interrogation - the TV show version vs the reality - Jay’s next chapter in life If you enjoy this podcast I would hugely appreciate if you would help the show grow by leaving a rating. Thank you.

    40 min
  5. A Devastating Cycling Accident & Extraordinary Comeback Mission - Vic Williamson (4K)

    18 JAN

    A Devastating Cycling Accident & Extraordinary Comeback Mission - Vic Williamson (4K)

    This is one of those stories that puts things into perspective. In 2016 Vic was a bright young talent on the Team GB cycling team. Just months out from the Rio Olympics she suffered a horrific crash at the velodrome which left her with a broken neck, back and pelvis. In this interview, Vic tells the story of what happened that day, and the 752 days of intense rehabilitation and recovery that she went through to not only walk again, but to attempt to re-qualify for the Olympic cycling team. This is a story of sheer determination and unwavering mindset by both Vic and the team around her. In this interview we spoke about: - Vic's journey into sprint cycling and early successes- The crash- The early days in hospital and extent of her injuries- 9 incredible months at the Bisham Intensive Rehabilitation Unit. - Embarking on the huge mission of re-qualifying for Team GB- Vic's strategies for coping mentally through her rehab - Vic's 3 pieces of advice for anyone facing a long rehab process- Switching to bobsleigh!- Making the difficult decision to step away from elite sport - Vic's new direction and looking to the future

    57 min
  6. Running 80 Ultramarathons In 80 Days - For His Mum

    17 JAN

    Running 80 Ultramarathons In 80 Days - For His Mum

    Sam King ran an astonishing 80 ultramarathons in 80 days, honouring his Mum after she suffered a bleed on the brain and almost died, and raising money for charity, Headway UK. Furthermore, Sam completely overhauled his health - going from inactive, overweight gamer (number 1 at Call of Duty at one point!) to world record breaking ultra runner. If anyone’s looking for inspiration to lock in this New year, this interview should do it! If you’d like to donate to Sam’s fundraiser for Headway UK, you can do so here: Project 74 - 74 ultramarathons in 74 days | givestar

    50 min
  7. Extreme Demands On Young Gymnasts & Rebuilding Identity After Elite Sport - Sammy Rockett (4K)

    20/11/2025

    Extreme Demands On Young Gymnasts & Rebuilding Identity After Elite Sport - Sammy Rockett (4K)

    Sammy tells her story of growing up in elite gymnastics including shocking weight management practices and the dangers of the sport. We also spoke about the loss of identity that elite athletes often feel when they retire from sport, and Sammy's personal journey finding her place in sport again through CrossFit. I'm hugely grateful to Sammy for sharing her story so openly. In this interview: - Sammy's journey through elite gymnastics - The mental and physical toll on young gymnasts - The feeling of loss of identity after retiring from elite sport - How Sammy found her new place in sport through CrossFit - Practical advice on training mindset and self-belief - Sammy's mantras! - Advice for anyone leaving a sport - What the future holds for Sammy I’d love to hear your thoughts on themes we got into in this interview - let me know in the comments. And finally, if you like this content please support the channel by following us. Thank you, Iona #TheOpponentsPodcast #Gymnastics #TeamGB #Mindset #IdentityLoss #WomensSport

    40 min
  8. The Mindset That Built An Olympic Athlete - Adele Nicoll (4K)

    06/11/2025

    The Mindset That Built An Olympic Athlete - Adele Nicoll (4K)

    An Olympian's story full of advice on knowing your purpose, building mental toughness, and reframing adversity so that it works FOR you, not against you. Olympic athlete Adele Nicoll sacrificed everything to pursue her purpose in the brutal, high-risk sport of bobsleigh. Adele is a shining example of seeing goals through and a hugely motivating person to listen to. In this episode: The story of how Adele scarified her whole life to pursue her Olympic dream The extreme sport and demanding lifestyle of bobsleigh The importance of finding your purpose Mental toughness and how to reframe adversity How to become the person you want to be Why accountability is so important 'Tough love' advice for dealing with challenges and setbacks head on. It's NOT about turning lemons into lemonade...Thank you for watching, Iona

    40 min
  9. Age Is Just A Number - 4x CrossFit Games Masters Champion, Kelly Friel (4K)

    17/10/2025

    Age Is Just A Number - 4x CrossFit Games Masters Champion, Kelly Friel (4K)

    Kelly’s story is an important lesson that you should take every opportunity that comes your way and that age really is just a number. Kelly first walked into a CrossFit box in her mid thirties - a time in life when many people might think it’s too late to start seriously training in a new sport, especially one as complex and physically demanding as CrossFit. Not Kelly. She very quickly flew up the ranks in competition and not only qualified for the CrossFit Games within just FIVE years, she went on to win SEVEN medals including FOUR golds as a Masters athlete. Kelly also regularly trains and competes with athletes 20 years younger than her - proving that age really is no barrier to peak performance. In this conversation Kelly speaks about: - Her CrossFit journey and incredible achievements - Starting something new at any age - How she looks after herself training at such a high level - Longevity advice for young athletes in CrossFit - Mental endurance and how she keeps her motivation high year on year - Kelly's mindset and mantras in competition - The upcoming changes to the 2026 CrossFit Games season - Kelly's 3 pieces of advice and the importance of taking opportunities - How to start CrossFit and work towards a major competition Thank you for watching, Iona

    43 min
  10. The Brutal Mental & Physical Demands Of Being An MMA Fighter - Leah McCourt (4K)

    04/10/2025

    The Brutal Mental & Physical Demands Of Being An MMA Fighter - Leah McCourt (4K)

    Leah is an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Fighter and hugely inspiring human. She grew up facing many struggles, including becoming a single Mum at a young age, however she refused to become just another statistic. So, despite (as she very honestly admits herself) having no natural talent, she trained extremely hard and carved out a hugely successful career for herself in MMA, seeing her become the first female to headline an MMA fight night in Europe AND the first female in combat sports to headline at Wembley! In this conversation Leah speaks about: the sport of MMA and its ruthless demands both in training and competition, having a bulletproof mindset, her 3 pieces of advice to anyone doubting they can chase after their dreams, and what the future holds for Leah. I also got a glimpse into Leah's personal life during a particularly tough time for her. She made the effort to fly to London for this interview despite losing her Grandfather the week before and even being hospitalised herself - a real testament to her character and professionalism . This conversation goes beyond just sporting accomplishments - it’s about discipline, resilience and what it really takes to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you.

    38 min
  11. Commonwealth Games Athlete, Holly O'Shea - Weightlifting Is Like a Penalty Shootout (4K)

    08/09/2025

    Commonwealth Games Athlete, Holly O'Shea - Weightlifting Is Like a Penalty Shootout (4K)

    Holly is a former endurance athlete who discovered weightlifting and only 2 years later found herself competing at the Commonwealth Games! What struck me straight away about Holly is how incredibly calm and poised she is. She also clearly LOVES what she does, and she honestly gave me so many pearls of wisdom around athlete mentality and mindset. We spoke about: - How to keep calm and handle nerves on the competition floor - Competitor mindset & self-talk - How to use structured nutrition as both a physical and mental tool to get through injury recovery - No nonsense self-care - Advice for any women thinking of getting into weightlifting The way Holly talks about training and challenging yourself is contagious. If you’re into weightlifting, mindset, coming back from injury, or just want some motivation to get back under the bar, this one’s for you. Thank you for watching, Iona

    43 min
  12. The CrossFit Nurse - Olivia Tompkins on Training Hard, Finding Balance & Life In The ICU (4K)

    08/09/2025

    The CrossFit Nurse - Olivia Tompkins on Training Hard, Finding Balance & Life In The ICU (4K)

    Liv is a CrossFit Athlete and ICU Nurse. In this conversation Liv speaks about: her personal story and journey into CrossFit, why women should train and not just for the physical, how to train seriously and consistently without getting burnt out, life as a nurse in the ICU and how Liv used her training to get through the horrors of Covid. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our channel so that we can bring you more. Thank you for watching.

    41 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Stories to fuel your training. Sports marketeer Iona Roberts meets people doing big things in fitness, sport and life - from running, CrossFit, Hyrox and endurance sports to combat sports, mountaineering and beyond - we go deep into the mindset, mental toughness and resilience behind extraordinary performance. If training seriously is part of who you are, this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Iona Roberts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Iona Roberts
  • Show Website
    The Opponents

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