In the inaugural episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, Winston Powell shares his lifelong journey in gymnastics, detailing his experiences from preschool gymnastics to competing internationally for Great Britain. He reflects on his achievements, including being the under-18 English champion and participating in the Junior Worlds, while also candidly discussing the challenges he faced, such as injuries and the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on his training. Winston emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and setbacks, highlighting the shared experiences of gymnasts and the significance of setting achievable goals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Lifelong Commitment to Gymnastics: Winston has been involved in gymnastics since a very young age, starting with preschool gymnastics and progressing through various levels, including elite programs. This long-term dedication highlights the importance of early engagement in sports.
• Learning from Experience: Winston emphasises the value of sharing experiences among gymnasts. Winston believes that both he and his interviewees can learn from each other's journeys, including successes and setbacks, which can help others in the sport.
• Resilience Through Challenges: Winston discusses facing injuries and setbacks, particularly during competitions. He emphasises the importance of resilience and hard work to overcome these challenges, especially during the lockdown periods when training was disrupted.
• Setting Goals: The importance of setting both long-term and short-term goals is highlighted. Winston discusses how breaking down larger aspirations, such as competing in the Olympics, into smaller, achievable steps can help maintain focus and motivation.
• Community and Support: Winston values the camaraderie and support found in team competitions, noting that being surrounded by teammates who understand the effort and dedication required can enhance the overall experience and motivation in gymnastics.

BEST MOMENTS

"I want to be the best gymnast I can be and I feel like I'm nowhere near that yet."

"It gives you something to aspire to, but it also puts things into perspective so you can see how far you can go."

"I ended up breaking my wrist, but that was towards the end of the year, no competitions were coming up."

"It's very easy to be in pain and then keep going because you want the result."

"In the end, it's just what I want to achieve in gymnastics and life. I just want to be the best version of myself."

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.

SOCIAL LINK

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