DIVE Beyond Sport

Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie Woodward

DIVE (Discovering Identity, Value, and Excellence) Beyond Sport goes beneath the surface of elite sport — into the minds, moments, and messy bits of what it really means to be an elite athlete. Hosted by Olympic divers and long time mates Yona Knight-Wisdom and Freddie Woodward, this show isn’t about stats or podiums. It’s about the people behind the performances. From mental health to identity, purpose to transition, we explore the untold stories and honest reflections that often get left out of the highlight reels. With guests like Olympic medallists, rising stars, and athletes who've redefined their lives post-sport, DIVE is for anyone curious about what drives excellence — and what happens when the lights go off and the cameras stop rolling.

  1. 15h ago

    Former Premier League Footballer Paul McVeigh: Mindset (DIVE Ep.37)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, former Premier League footballer and performance psychology expert Paul McVeigh joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on growing up in Belfast during the Troubles, becoming a professional footballer, and the mindset that helped him overcome years of rejection before establishing himself at Norwich City. Paul shares how one book at 17 changed his view of what was possible, why he began asking himself whether every decision would help him get into the first team, and how visualization and affirmations shaped both his football career and transition into public speaking. He also discusses balancing ambition with enjoying life, building a successful speaking career from scratch, and launching Speakify to create more opportunities for speakers around the world. Paul ultimately explores why we often underestimate what we're capable of and why getting out of your own way can unlock extraordinary potential. Show Notes • How can mindset and determination help athletes keep pursuing a goal when success feels almost impossible. • What role can sport play in helping young people build direction, discipline, and a positive path in life. • How can athletes overcome years of rejection and setbacks before finally establishing themselves at the highest level. • Why setting a specific goal can change the decisions you make both on and off the pitch. • How can visualization, affirmations, and purposeful practice improve performance and build confidence. • What can athletes learn from applying the same performance principles to completely different careers. • How can developing skills through repetition and feedback help anyone become better at something they were not naturally good at. • Why is balancing ambition with personal experiences and relationships important when defining a successful life. • How can entrepreneurship create new opportunities for people who face barriers within traditional industries. • What can Paul McVeigh's journey teach us about mindset, perseverance, purposeful action, and unlocking the potential we have within us. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:43 Growing Up in Belfast 04:00 Troubles Riot Memory 08:17 Football as a Lifeline 11:25 Belfast After Peace 13:27 Joining Spurs Young 14:25 Spurs Dressing Room 18:56 Leaving Spurs Finding Norwich 22:33 Breakthrough at Norwich 24:13 Mindset Tony Robbins 25:59 All In Lifestyle Rules 26:48 Studying Psychology and Balance 29:08 Drinking Choices and Fatherhood 32:19 Fatherhood Reflections 33:17 From Football to Keynotes 34:55 Learning to Speak 37:17 Why Speakify Exists 40:50 Confidence and Goal Setting 43:20 The Events Industry Opportunity 46:30 From Fear to Loving Stage 50:19 Talent vs Practice Debate 53:09 Chasing the Feeling 55:30 Anchors and Visualization 58:44 Closing Thoughts and Movie Title 01:00:42 Final Vision and Wrap Up Guest Pick: Book: Legacy by James Kerr Link: https://amzn.to/4vC4SxV Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Need the right speaker for your next event? Discover Paul’s new platform, Speakify—connecting you with top speakers and leading speaker bureaus from around the world. Find your speaker: https://wearespeakify.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Paul McVeigh: https://www.instagram.com/paulmcveighofficial Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Former Premier League Footballer Paul McVeigh: Mindset (DIVE Ep.37)

  2. Aug 18

    Olympic Snowboarder Maisie Hill: I Can, I Will (DIVE Ep.36)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Olympic snowboarder Maisie Hill joins Dive Beyond Sport to share the extraordinary journey that took her from snowboarding with her dad in France to competing at the Winter Olympics. Maisie reflects on the determination that helped her break into World Cups despite limited resources, funding her career through multiple jobs, and even living in a tent at the bottom of a glacier. She opens up about a devastating crash that left her with multiple serious injuries and the long mental journey of rebuilding her confidence and relationship with fear. Maisie also discusses working with a sports psychologist, learning to focus on her own path rather than comparing herself to others, the realities of funding niche Olympic sports, and why she wants to explore the creative side of snowboarding. Her story ultimately comes back to one simple mindset: "I can, I will." Show Notes • How can unwavering belief and determination help an athlete break through when progress seems to have stalled. • What does it take to pursue an Olympic dream without the financial resources or traditional pathway available to other athletes. • How can a devastating injury change an athlete's relationship with fear, confidence, and performance. • What role does sports psychology play in rebuilding trust in your body after a serious injury. • Why is learning to focus on your own journey instead of comparing yourself to others so important in elite sport. • How can athletes use positive self-talk and small wins to build confidence under pressure. • What are the hidden financial challenges faced by athletes competing in niche Olympic sports like snowboarding. • How can taking responsibility and becoming more independent give athletes greater control over their careers. • Why can stepping away from competition create space to rediscover creativity, enjoyment, and the love of sport. • What can Maisie Hill's journey teach us about determination, resilience, independence, overcoming fear, and pursuing your own path. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:35 The Smiling Method 02:35 Pushing Through Plateaus 05:25 UK Beginnings to France 07:36 Early Sports and School 10:15 Van Life Competitions 14:40 Family Racing Legacy 18:06 Near Fatal Crash 29:33 Rehab and Fear Return 36:18 Funding and Side Jobs 42:21 Solidarity Funding Surprise 44:30 Athlete Support Debate 45:46 Olympics Blessing Curse 48:44 Off Season Reset Plans 51:36 Sports Psychology Tools 56:47 Olympic Pressure Sleep 59:43 Big Air Night Sessions 01:02:16 Slopestyle Crash Scare 01:07:23 I Can I Will Mindset 01:16:14 Accountability Independence Guest Pick: Book: The Burning Shore - Wilbur Smith Link: https://amzn.to/3QLq2KP Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Maisie Hill: https://www.instagram.com/zmaizz Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Olympic Snowboarder Maisie Hill: I Can, I Will (DIVE Ep.36)

  3. Aug 11

    World Champion Artistic Swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau: A Life of Many Hats (DIVE Ep.35)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Olympic artistic swimmer and podiatrist Jacqueline Simoneau joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on pursuing two lifelong dreams, competing at three Olympic Games, and building a career in medicine alongside elite sport. Jacqueline shares how she discovered artistic swimming after competing across multiple sports, overcame physical challenges that did not naturally suit her chosen discipline, and learned to advocate for herself throughout her career. She also opens up about suffering a serious bleeding stomach ulcer as a teenager just weeks before Olympic qualification, returning from a three-year break from sport, and winning a World Championship title after using visualization, preparation, and trust in her instincts. Jacqueline discusses balancing seven years of university with international competition, finding purpose beyond sport, and her work advocating for athletes and healthier training environments. Show Notes • How can an athlete pursue two lifelong dreams while navigating the demands of elite sport and education. • Why understanding that there is no linear path can help athletes navigate uncertainty and long-term goals. • How can athletes balance high-performance sport with education and prepare for a meaningful life beyond competition. • What does overcoming physical limitations and unexpected obstacles teach us about adaptability and resilience. • How can self-advocacy help athletes make better decisions about their training, recovery, and performance. • What role does intrinsic motivation and having a clear purpose play in sustaining long-term success. • How can visualization, preparation, and trust in your own abilities help athletes perform under extreme pressure. • Why athlete voices need to be represented at the decision-making tables shaping the future of sport. • How can athletes challenge overtraining culture and create healthier, smarter approaches to high-performance sport. • What can Jacqueline Simoneau's journey teach us about ambition, self-advocacy, resilience, and building an identity beyond sport.= Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:29 Choosing Artistic Swimming 04:08 Multi Sport Advantage 07:29 Celiac Diagnosis Spark 09:13 Why Podiatry 11:13 Balancing School Sport 15:27 Finding Mentors Purpose 19:17 Ulcer Before Qualifying 24:05 Injury Stories Compared 31:39 Support Systems Behind Success 34:25 Doha Gold Strategy 35:54 Difficulty Becomes Strategy 36:39 Risky DD Jump for Finals 39:32 Breath Hold Preparation 45:00 Training Safety and Overload 48:05 Diving Side Stories 50:33 Why Athlete Representation Matters 58:15 Athlete Voice in Practice 59:45 Identity Beyond Sport 01:07:54 Many Hats and Farewell Guest Pick: Book: Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Albom Link: https://amzn.to/4dAoZEW Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Jacqueline Simoneau: https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_simoneau Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    World Champion Artistic Swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau: A Life of Many Hats (DIVE Ep.35)

  4. Aug 4

    Paralympic Champion Stephen Clegg: Through the Wreckage (DIVE Ep.34)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Paralympic champion swimmer Stephen Clegg joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on overcoming anxiety and depression, redefining his identity after the heartbreak of Tokyo, and discovering a healthier relationship with success. Stephen shares how living with a visual impairment has shaped the way he learns, trains, and views the world, why experimentation and adaptability became his greatest strengths, and how missing out on Paralympic gold ultimately led him to enjoy the process again before reaching the top of the podium in Paris. He also discusses mental health, innovation in coaching, the extraordinary resilience of Paralympians, challenging society's assumptions about disability, and why courage is found on the other side of fear. Show Notes • How can adversity, anxiety, and depression become the catalyst for discovering purpose through sport. • Why separating self-worth from performance is one of the most important lessons every athlete must learn. • How missing Paralympic gold became the turning point that transformed Stephen Clegg's relationship with success and competition. • What living with a visual impairment teaches us about adaptability, innovation, and unlocking human potential. • How curiosity, experimentation, and embracing failure can accelerate learning and high performance. • Why the Paralympics showcase the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit alongside world-class athletic performance. • What role coaches, psychologists, and supportive communities play in building confidence beyond results. • How challenging limiting beliefs can empower people with disabilities to redefine what is possible. • Why courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. • What Stephen Clegg's journey teaches us about resilience, identity, courage, and finding purpose through adversity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:51 Near Misses and Medals 02:43 Tokyo Pressure and Reset 07:12 Early Swimming and Diagnosis 10:24 Family and Growing Up Blind 13:44 Social Stigma and Superpower 18:05 Self Worth and Sport Culture 22:28 Learning Without Visual Cues 25:28 Tactile Training Innovations 32:16 Echolocation and Human Potential 36:00 Accessibility and Physics 37:34 Learning Without Bias 39:33 Adapting to Vision Loss 42:39 Dating and Disclosure 43:55 Rethinking Parasport 49:28 Training and Injury Doubts 54:04 Purpose Beyond Results 57:29 Family and Role Models 01:02:17 Commonwealth Games Drive 01:04:25 Advice and Closing Title Guest Pick: Book: Leaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek Link: https://amzn.to/3QjHFRR Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Stephen Clegg: https://www.instagram.com/stephen.clegg Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Paralympic Champion Stephen Clegg: Through the Wreckage (DIVE Ep.34)

  5. Jul 28

    England Netball Player Funmi Fadoju: Even Better If… (DIVE Ep.33)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, England netball star Funmi Fadoju joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on winning London Pulse's first Netball Super League Grand Final, being named Player of the Match, and the journey that began when she joined the club's pathway at just 13 years old. Funmi shares how strong team bonds, supportive coaches and teachers, and her family's education-first values have shaped both her career and confidence on and off the court. Funmi also opens up about balancing elite sport with a biomedical sciences degree, overcoming injury and the heartbreak of the Netball World Cup final, and the importance of sport psychology in helping her grow. She discusses netball's push toward professionalism, the role players have in inspiring the next generation, her dream of seeing netball at the Olympics, and why she'd call her life story Even Better If. Show Notes • How can finding the right team, coaches, and mentors shape an athlete's confidence, identity, and long-term success. • Why separating self-worth from performance is one of the most important lessons an athlete can learn. • How setbacks, losses, and difficult performances become opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-belief. • What role family, education, and community play in building successful athletes on and off the court. • How team sports develop leadership, trust, communication, and lifelong relationships. • Why building an identity beyond netball is essential for long-term happiness and life after sport. • What challenges professional netball faces and how athletes can help grow the game for future generations. • How athletes can use their platform to inspire young people and create a lasting impact beyond competition. • What winning London Pulse's first-ever Netball Super League title reveals about perseverance, belief, and teamwork. • What Funmi Fadoju's journey teaches us about resilience, confidence, leadership, and finding purpose beyond performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Grand Final Glory 02:03 Family Support and Meaning 03:05 Team Culture and Community 05:05 Finding Netball Early 07:31 Why Netball Over Solo Sports 12:46 PE Teachers and Identity 13:27 Balancing Uni and Sport 19:39 Netball Professionalism Reality 22:47 Growing the Game Grassroots 25:53 Cost Barriers and Travel 29:00 Injuries and Sudden Spotlight 31:51 Rock Bottom Match 32:14 Reframing Failure 33:01 Teammates And Therapy 34:55 Stress Injury Setback 37:43 Comeback Perspective 39:19 Olympic Dream Gap 41:10 Commonwealth Gold Hunt 43:13 Team Identity Reset 44:50 Women Sport Momentum 47:36 Marketing And Personality 51:23 Life After Netball 54:45 Even Better If 57:09 Final Thanks And Wrap Guest Pick: Book: Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas Link: https://amzn.to/4vFQMeO Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Funmi Fadoju: https://www.instagram.com/funmi_fadoju Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    England Netball Player Funmi Fadoju: Even Better If… (DIVE Ep.33)

  6. Jul 21

    Retired Paralympian Gaz Choudhry: Finding Meaning (DIVE Ep.32)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Paralympian, world champion wheelchair basketball player, and actor Gaz Choudhry joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on a life shaped by resilience, leadership, and purpose. Gaz shares how surviving childhood cancer and losing his leg at the age of 10 transformed his outlook on life, before unexpectedly stepping into the role of player-coach at the Tokyo Paralympics. He explores how confronting mortality changed the way he approaches success, identity, and high performance, and why he believes athletes must build a life beyond sport. Gaz also discusses transitioning into acting and storytelling, the challenges of retirement, the realities of meritocracy, and why finding joy, purpose, and meaning has always mattered more than chasing medals. Show Notes • How does surviving childhood cancer shape an athlete's identity, purpose, and approach to life. • What happens when you're unexpectedly asked to lead your team at the Paralympics as both player and coach. • How can facing mortality at a young age change the way we pursue success, fulfilment, and happiness. • Why is identity beyond sport one of the biggest challenges every athlete must eventually face. • What does elite sport teach us about resilience, leadership, delayed gratification, and personal growth. • How can athletes successfully transition into a completely different career after retirement. • What role do storytelling, creativity, and the arts play in finding purpose beyond competition. • Why is sport one of the closest environments to a true meritocracy, and what happens when athletes enter the real world. • How can embracing uncertainty, adapting to change, and letting go of control unlock new opportunities. • What can Gaz Choudhry’s journey teach us about leadership, resilience, identity, and building a meaningful life beyond sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:43 Tokyo Coach Crisis 06:28 Earning Team Buy In 08:41 Scorer to Strategist 11:20 Pressure and Control 16:20 Karachi to UK Childhood 17:00 Cancer and Identity 19:23 Make a Wish Memory 21:01 Back to School and Sport 24:11 Recurrence and Basketball 26:55 Mortality and Values 33:56 Joy Beyond Sport 37:46 Life After Sport Planning 38:23 Mentors and Team Bonds 41:57 Acting by Accident 44:02 Sport vs Arts Mindset 45:57 Handling Critics and Regrets 50:23 Grenfell Verbatim Theatre 55:59 Auditions and No Feedback 57:36 Transferable Skills Debate 01:03:51 Meritocracy and Disability 01:12:41 Finding Meaning Finale Guest Pick:Book: The Mamba Mentality - Kobe Bryant Link: https://amzn.to/4nPhWgs Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678⁠ Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod⁠ Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Gaz Choudhry: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/georgiatb⁠ Freddie Woodward: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward⁠ Yona Knight-Wisdom: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Retired Paralympian Gaz Choudhry: Finding Meaning (DIVE Ep.32)

  7. Jul 14

    British Triathlon World Champion Georgia Taylor-Brown: Dramatic, Emotional Disco Ball (DIVE Ep.31)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Olympic triathlete Georgia Taylor-Brown joins Dive Beyond Sport from an altitude training camp in Granada as she prepares for her next race in Spain. Georgia shares how she keeps her identity separate from sport, explaining why she avoids bringing training home and relies on family, her partner Vince, and her dog to stay grounded. She also reflects on taking a lower-pressure season, exploring different race formats, and designing her own race suits. Georgia opens up about her journey into triathlon, overcoming major injuries and RED-S, and the resilience that kept her from walking away from the sport. She also compares the highs of Tokyo with the disappointment of Paris, reveals her race-day mindset, and shares why she'd call her life story The Dramatic Emotional Disco Ball. Show Notes • How do elite athletes build an identity that exists beyond results and medals. • What can long-term injuries teach us about resilience, perspective, and life beyond sport. • How do athletes stay present when competing in high-pressure Olympic environments. • What role does enjoyment play in sustaining motivation throughout an elite sporting career. • How can setbacks and adversity become the foundation for future success. • What does it take to perform with confidence while embracing uncertainty and risk. • How do athletes avoid defining themselves solely by their sport. • What lessons can endurance sport teach us about patience, adaptability, and mental strength. • How do Olympic athletes balance ambition with happiness and fulfilment outside competition. • What can Georgia Taylor-Brown's journey teach us about resilience, identity, and finding joy in high performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Altitude Camp Reality 04:02 Switching Off at Home 08:01 Identity Beyond Results 13:58 Find the Fun Mantra 16:49 Racing Across Distances 21:55 Creative Suits and Style 22:50 Origins in Sport 27:04 Early Triathlon Struggles 29:38 Injuries and RED-S 37:47 Stress Fracture Diagnosis 40:29 Long Rehab Setbacks 42:13 Finding Life Beyond Sport 44:52 Tokyo vs Paris Pressure 50:46 Individual vs Relay Meaning 52:16 Leeds Squad Culture 55:21 Mental Strategies in Racing 59:45 Altitude Training Explained 01:04:23 Movie Title and Wrap Up Guest Pick:Book: The Housemaid - Freida McFadden Link: https://amzn.to/4dCs60b Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Georgia Taylor-Brown: https://www.instagram.com/gaz_choudhry Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    British Triathlon World Champion Georgia Taylor-Brown: Dramatic, Emotional Disco Ball (DIVE Ep.31)

  8. Jun 2

    Luke Digby: Chasing the Olympic Dream (DIVE Ep.30)

    Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Team GB figure skater Luke Digby joins Dive Beyond Sport to reflect on his 18-year journey to the Olympics, his retirement from competitive skating, and the moment his competitive fire finally went out as the Olympic flame was extinguished in Verona. Luke shares how childhood inspiration, major injuries, and a move from singles to pairs skating with Anastasia Vaipan-Law shaped his career, culminating in representing Great Britain on the Olympic stage. He discusses the pressure of securing an Olympic quota place, overcoming injuries, delivering a personal-best short program, and ending his career in Prague with his mother watching. Looking ahead, Luke also talks about life after sport, including his upcoming wedding and a new project on the ice. Show Notes • How does an athlete know when it is finally time to walk away from the dream they have chased for nearly two decades. • What happens when achieving a lifelong Olympic goal brings contentment rather than the desire for more. • How can athletes navigate the emotional transition from elite sport to the next chapter of life. • What role do injuries, setbacks, and reinvention play in keeping an Olympic dream alive. • How do athletes maintain belief when the path to success feels uncertain and constantly under threat. • What does resilience look like when major injuries force you to completely rethink your future. • How can trust, partnership, and shared ambition accelerate success in elite sport. • What mindset is required to perform under pressure when everything comes down to one qualification opportunity. • How do athletes separate the magnitude of a moment from the task directly in front of them. • What can Luke Digby’s journey teach us about fulfilment, perspective, and finding peace beyond performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:17 Olympic Fire Goes Out 03:53 Post Olympics Motivation 06:29 Childhood Dream and Doubts 10:42 Falling for Skating 14:02 Family Sporting Roots 16:14 Inspired by London 2012 18:19 Switzerland Training Leap 22:18 Jumps Technique Explained 28:52 How Figure Skating Is Judged 31:30 Pairs Elements and Crowd Reactions 35:04 Injuries and Switching to Pairs 35:52 Triple Axel Knee Injury 38:09 Surgery Rehab Setback 40:35 Switching to Pairs 41:38 Meeting Anna Partnership 44:50 Learning Lifts Trust 50:46 Olympic Qualification Path 54:28 Staying Level Headed 59:00 Wrist Injury Olympic Build 01:02:45 Best Skate Qualifying 01:05:57 Prague Farewell Mom 01:07:51 Life After Retirement 01:10:17 Next Chapter on Ice 01:11:57 Chasing Olympic Dream Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Luke Digby: https://www.instagram.com/luke_digby Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Luke Digby: Chasing the Olympic Dream (DIVE Ep.30)
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

DIVE (Discovering Identity, Value, and Excellence) Beyond Sport goes beneath the surface of elite sport — into the minds, moments, and messy bits of what it really means to be an elite athlete. Hosted by Olympic divers and long time mates Yona Knight-Wisdom and Freddie Woodward, this show isn’t about stats or podiums. It’s about the people behind the performances. From mental health to identity, purpose to transition, we explore the untold stories and honest reflections that often get left out of the highlight reels. With guests like Olympic medallists, rising stars, and athletes who've redefined their lives post-sport, DIVE is for anyone curious about what drives excellence — and what happens when the lights go off and the cameras stop rolling.

Information

  • Creator
    Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie Woodward
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie Woodward

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