In this episode of the Game Gymnastics Podcast, Zion Aserie shares insights from his 11-year gymnastics journey at the City of Birmingham Gymnastics Club. He discusses his early beginnings as a hyperactive child, his progression through recreational classes, and his notable achievements, including winning the British Championships in 2018 and competing for Great Britain. The conversation delves into the upcoming changes in gymnastics codes, particularly the shift to eight skills in routines and the increased emphasis on higher-value skills. Zion reflects on his goals of transitioning from junior to senior competitions, the importance of strength and conditioning in injury prevention, and the challenges of adapting routines to meet new requirements.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Gymnastics Journey and Achievements: Zion began gymnastics at a young age due to being hyperactive and has since achieved significant milestones, including winning the British Championships in 2018 and competing for Great Britain.

Goals for the Future: Zion's ultimate goal is to compete in the Olympics and win a medal. As he transitions from junior to senior level, he aims to prepare for European and World Championships by focusing on skill upgrades and routine development.

Upcoming Code Changes: The new code of points introduces various changes, including a reduction in the number of skills from ten to eight, which will require gymnasts to focus on higher-value skills and adapt their routines accordingly.

Importance of Strength and Conditioning (S&C): S&C plays a crucial role in Zion's training, helping to build overall strength, prevent injuries, and address muscle imbalances. Consistency in S&C training is vital for long-term success.

Adapting to New Requirements: Zion acknowledges the challenges of adapting routines to meet new skill requirements and the need for consistency in executing these skills during competitions. The importance of trial and error in finding what works best for individual routines is emphasized.

BEST MOMENTS
"Honestly, I feel like every achievement that I've had in the sport has been just amazing." - Zion Azari

"The end goal, obviously, is to go to the Olympics and win an Olympic medal, hopefully Olympic champion." - Zion Azari

"It's a bit of a blessing, bit of a curse." - Interviewer

"I think once there's been a few competitions and stuff, you'll be able to have a bit of a better idea of what I actually need to do." - Zion Azari

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Winston sits down with Gabriel Langton, a talented gymnast with over a decade of training experience. They discuss Gabriel's impressive achievements, including his recent success at the European Championships, where he won a team competition and earned multiple medals. Gabriel talks about the importance of execution over difficulty in gymnastics routines, the challenges of incorporating new skills, and the mental aspects of training and competition. Gabriel shares his experiences with injuries, the road to recovery, and the significance of maintaining motivation throughout the ups and downs of a gymnast's journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Execution Over Difficulty: In gymnastics, especially during major competitions like the European Championships, focusing on executing routines cleanly can be more beneficial than attempting overly difficult skills that may lead to mistakes. Consistency and confidence in performing known routines can yield better scores.

Importance of Skill Development: Continuous improvement in gymnastics involves not only refining existing skills but also learning new ones. Setting achievable goals for skill acquisition is crucial for long-term success, especially when transitioning between junior and senior levels.

Mental Resilience: Mental strength plays a significant role in gymnastics. Maintaining motivation and a positive mindset is essential, especially after setbacks or injuries. A strong mental approach can help gymnasts push through challenges and perform at their best.

Injury Management: Injuries are a common part of gymnastics, and each recovery process is unique. Understanding the importance of patience, following professional advice, and managing expectations during rehabilitation can help athletes return to their sport effectively.

Adapting to New Rules: Changes in competition rules, such as the introduction of new scoring systems and skill requirements, necessitate that gymnasts adapt their routines and strategies. Staying informed about these changes and adjusting training accordingly is vital for maintaining competitive edge.

BEST MOMENTS
"I think my biggest achievement would be winning the team competition at the European Championships in Rimini a couple months ago." - Gabriel Langton

"It's good, it's big, it's very big. But you've not always been, you've never been a ring specialist." - Interviewer

"I would say I've never thought of myself as a specialist, really. I've always thought of myself as an all-around gymnast." - Gabriel Langton

"It's finding the balance of difficulty execution. If you've got a new skill that you want to put in, you can always put it in, but you've got to weigh up what you're gaining from it." - Gabriel Langton

"The hardest thing would be on the way back, the small setbacks that continue to happen." - Gabriel Langton

In this episode, Winston welcomes guest Hamish Carter, a seasoned gymnast with a rich background in both British and American gymnastics. Winston & Hamish delve into Hamish's journey from training at the City of Birmingham to competing in the NCAA system in the United States, highlighting the stark differences in training culture and competition dynamics. Hamish shares insights on the importance of team ethos in college gymnastics, the challenges of transitioning from an individual to a team-focused mindset, and the strategies for maximizing both difficulty and execution scores in routines.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Team Ethos in Gymnastics: Transitioning from individual to team-oriented training in the NCAA system highlighted the importance of team culture.

• Training Philosophy: In college gymnastics, the approach to training emphasized replicating competition conditions.

• Balancing Difficulty and Execution: As routines shift to eight skills, gymnasts must carefully balance the difficulty (D-score) and execution (E-score) of their routines.

• Personal Growth and Journey: Each gymnast's path is unique, with no defined "prime age" for peak performance. It's essential to focus on personal progress rather than comparing oneself to others.

• Learning from Experience: Reflecting on past performances, including mistakes and successes, is crucial for growth. Emphasizing a positive mindset and logical analysis of errors can help gymnasts improve without dwelling on past disappointments.

BEST MOMENTS

"The NCAA was like a different world that I didn't understand... gymnastics is an individual sport, but going to college made me realize that it's a team sport in a weird sort of dynamic."

"If I messed up a routine at the start... it's like, no, you carry on. We're judging the routine. That definitely improved my whole approach towards my gymnastics."

"There's no such thing as the prime age... people are on their own journey, and I think to focus on that... it doesn't help just because I was focusing on the external factors."

"It seems more like the whole of training, the whole of the session is based around as if it was a competition."

"The whole point of training in college for me was to try and replicate competition as much as possible in the training environment."

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/

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

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

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Winston engages in an insightful conversation with George Atkins, a talented GB gymnast with over 12 years of experience. George shares his unique journey through gymnastics, including his transition from under 12 to under 16 competitions and the challenges he faced during his career, particularly during the Junior Worlds. As they explore the impact of recent injuries on George's training and performance, they also touch on the upcoming changes in gymnastics codes and how these will affect routines and strategies for athletes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Unique Competition Journey: George Atkins has had an unconventional path in gymnastics, spending a significant portion of his career competing in the under-16 category due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and competition regulations.
• Mental Challenges in Competition: George faced mental hurdles during competitions, particularly after experiencing equipment malfunctions and performance anxiety, which affected his ability to execute routines effectively.
• Importance of Preparation: The discussion highlights the significance of proper competition preparation, including the need for adequate warm-up time and routine practice to build confidence and endurance, especially before major events like the Junior Worlds.
• Injury Recovery and Adaptation: After suffering a leg injury and a subsequent finger fracture, George emphasised the importance of adapting training to focus on strength and skill development, which ultimately helped him improve in areas like ring strength.
• Adapting to New Code Requirements: The conversation touches on the upcoming changes in gymnastics codes, emphasising the need for gymnasts to diversify their routines and incorporate new skills, such as flops on the pommel and double somersaults on the floor, to meet evolving competition standards.\

BEST MOMENTS

"I was never the most talented or physically gifted, so I've always had to work very hard for things."

"I think I should have stopped straight away and almost re-evaluated what I was doing."

"I was so excited to get back into training, and everything was going well at that point."

"I think it's very important to be able to fall off, but also to fight through."

"I think the finger was, could be doing too much too quick."

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/

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Joe Cemlyn-Jones shares insights from his four-year journey as a professional gymnast, discussing his experiences training in various clubs across the UK, including the City of Bristol, Falcons Gymnastics Academy, and Birmingham. He reflects on his significant accomplishments, such as being selected for the Tokyo World Championships and competing in the Commonwealth Games. The conversation delves into the differences in coaching styles, the importance of mental resilience in competition, and the necessity of adapting training to various environments and equipment. Joe emphasises the significance of enjoying the sport, managing injuries, and taking necessary breaks to maintain long-term health and performance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Coaching Styles Matter: Different coaching styles can significantly impact a gymnast's training experience. Personal relationships with coaches can enhance motivation and performance, while a more regimented approach may foster resilience and discipline.
• Adaptation is Crucial: Gymnasts must adapt to various training environments, equipment, and competition conditions. Training in different gyms and on different apparatuses helps prepare for the unpredictability of competitions.
• Mental Resilience: Mental strength is as important as physical fitness in gymnastics. Trusting one's abilities and maintaining composure during competitions can lead to better performance, even when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Importance of Rest and Recovery: Taking time off to recover from injuries is essential for long-term success. Pushing through pain can lead to further injuries, while proper rest allows for healing and improved performance in the future.
• Enjoyment in Training: Having fun and enjoying the training process is vital for maintaining motivation and commitment to the sport. A positive training environment can help gymnasts push through tough days and setbacks.

BEST MOMENTS

"I made the world selection in 2021 for the Tokyo World Championships for Team GB. So I was pretty big. That was really cool."

"If you're not having fun, then why are you doing the sport? You know, you got to enjoy what you do."

"You can't get healthy and fit from an injury in the gym."

"If you wake up on comp day and you're not feeling good, you didn't have a good night's sleep... you gotta be ready for that."

"It's important to respect yourself and trust your process of how you're going to be the best gymnast."

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/

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/