In this episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, Winston sits down with Sam Oldham, a former elite gymnast and coach, to discuss his remarkable journey in the sport. Sam shares his early experiences in gymnastics, starting at the age of seven, and how he channelled his hyperactive energy into training, eventually representing Great Britain at international competitions. Sam reflects on his coaching journey, the value of resilience learned through gymnastics, and his current focus on inspiring the next generation of gymnasts through recreational programs and school outreach.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Early Start and Passion for Gymnastics: Starting gymnastics at the age of seven provided a positive outlet for energy and hyperactivity, leading to a deep passion for the sport that shaped a successful career.
• Transition from Junior to Senior Levels: The transition from junior to senior gymnastics was facilitated by early exposure to senior routines and training alongside older gymnasts, which helped set high benchmarks and expectations.
• Importance of Training Together: Training juniors and seniors together fosters a competitive environment and allows younger gymnasts to learn from more experienced athletes, which can enhance their development and understanding of the sport.
• Resilience and Life Skills: The challenges faced in gymnastics, such as injuries and competition setbacks, build resilience and determination, equipping athletes with valuable life skills that benefit them beyond their sporting careers.
• Coaching Philosophy and Impact: Transitioning into coaching revealed a desire to inspire and encourage participation in gymnastics at a broader level, focusing on recreational gymnastics and outreach to schools to ignite interest in the sport among children.

BEST MOMENTS

"I struggled at school quite a lot... I have since found out that I had ADHD as a child, and I channelled that energy into gymnastics."

"I think that transition was made easier because of that, the way that we did 10 skills... I was already doing men's gymnastics at that point."

"Did you find that quite easy, that transition?"

"For me, 100% they should be training together... You need to see what that next level is."

"I think it will again raise difficulty because everybody's going to try and how do I get the biggest advantage?"

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

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