The Game of Gymnastics

38 Episodes
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By: Winston Powell

Welcome to The Game of Gymnastics podcast, where we dive deep into the world of elite gymnastics. Join us as we explore how top gymnasts, coaches, and judges optimize training and performance to achieve peak results. We'll look into the scoring system, revealing how athletes strategically use the Code of Points to their advantage. Discover how gymnasts manage recovery and cope with the inevitable injuries that come with the sport. We’ll also explore how these athletes handle the intense pressure of competing at the highest levels, from the Olympics to the Commonwealth Games and beyond. Whether you're a gymnast, co...

Reacting To Team GB's British Championships Performance!
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In this episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, Winston provides an in-depth recap of the British Team Championships, highlighting both the competition and the challenging build-up leading to it. With a team facing injuries and limited members, the host discusses the performances of teammates Jacob, Romel, and Fraz, as well as their own contributions across various apparatuses, including rings, vault, parallel bars, high bar, and pommel horse. The episode captures the highs and lows of the competition, detailing individual routines...


European Championships Team GB Winner Jamie Lewis Talks Through His Career
#37
06/23/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell talks to Jamie Lewis, the current English and British all-around champion, as shares his journey through gymnastics, including his early beginnings, the challenges of transitioning from junior to senior levels, and the impact of injuries on his career. Jamie reflects on his recent successes, including his impressive performances at the English and British Championships, where he showcased his skills and resilience after recovering from a significant wrist injury. He discusses the importance of mindset in competition, the camaraderie within the GB squad, and his aspirations for the...


Training on The Gymnastics Pathway from Junior To World Stage w/ Tejal Patel
#36
06/16/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston is joined by Tejal Patel, the Pathway Support Lead at British Gymnastics, who holds a PhD in training load, injury, growth, and maturation in gymnastics. Tejal shares insights into her role, emphasizing the importance of developing gymnasts not just as athletes but as well-rounded individuals. The conversation delves into the performance pathway in gymnastics, the significance of a holistic approach to athlete development, and the challenges faced by young gymnasts, particularly during transitions from junior to senior levels. Tejal discusses the importance of education, communication, and support systems...


How To Get Good At Gymnastics and OTHER Questions Answered - Q&A With Winston
#35
06/09/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston engages in a lively Q&A session, answering a variety of questions submitted by listeners via Instagram. He shares insights into his personal experiences with injuries in gymnastics, discussing the frequency and recovery times associated with various injuries. Winston also reveals his favorite skills, the fun aspects of gymnastics, and the impact of joint strain over time. He reflects on his journey in the sport, from starting gymnastics at a young age to his current goals, including upcoming competitions and aspirations for the Commonwealth Games. The episode delves...


Life AFTER Gymnastics - Look after your body! - Frank Baines
#34
06/02/2025

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In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Winston interviews Frank Baines, a former international gymnast who represented Great Britain and Scotland for over 15 years. Frank shares his journey from a late starter in gymnastics to becoming the junior European champion in 2012 and competing at the Commonwealth Games three times. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a significant spinal injury that nearly ended his career, and how he used those experiences to grow both as an a...


Coaching at an ELITE Level - Teaching the BEST Gymnasts in the World
#33
05/26/2025

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In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell sits down with Scott Hann, a seasoned personal coach with 25 years of experience in gymnastics. Scott has coached notable gymnasts like Max Whitlock and Bryn Bevan and serves as the director of South Essex Gymnastics Club. The conversation delves into Scott's journey as a coach, the challenges he faced, and the evolution of his coaching philosophy, emphasising the importance of communication, trust, and understanding each gymnast's in...


Reacting To My Routines at The British Championships
#32
05/19/2025

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In this episode of The Game of Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston Powell shares an in-depth analysis of his routines from the recent British Championships. He discusses his experiences on various apparatus, including pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar, providing insights into his performance, challenges faced, and areas for improvement. Winston reflects on his nerves, injuries, and the importance of muscle memory, while also emphasizing the need for consistency and preparation in competition. He invites listeners to check out his Y...


Beating The BEST in Gymnastics From Junior To Senior - Dan Keatings
#31
05/12/2025

In this episode of the Gamer Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston sits down with Dan Keatings, a former GB gymnast and Olympian who competed in the 2008 Beijing Games. Dan shares highlights from his impressive career, including his journey through injuries, his silver medal at the 2009 World Championships, and his gold medal win at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The conversation delves into Dan's early beginnings in gymnastics, the intense preparations leading up to major competitions, and the evolution of the sport over the years. He also discusses the challenges of transitioning out of competitive gymnastics, his experiences with injuries, and how he...


What Makes a Great Coach? - Lee Woolls, National Coach for British Gymnastics
#30
05/05/2025

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Join us in this exciting episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast as we sit down with Lee Woolls, the newly appointed national coach for men's artistic gymnastics at British Gymnastics. With 29 years of coaching experience and 17 years as the head coach of Birmingham Gymnastics Club, Lee shares his insights on what makes a great coach and gymnast, the emotional journey of gymnastics, and the importance of collaboration within the sport.

In this episode, we discuss:

Lee's j...


American VS UK Gymnastics - Competition and Training - Trigg Dudley
#29
04/28/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell talks to Trigg Dudley, a Division 1 gymnast from the University of California, Berkeley, shares his journey from England to the U.S. and his transition to senior gymnastics. Trigg discusses the differences between training and competition environments in England and the States, highlighting the unique pressures of team competitions in the NCAA. He reflects on his experiences with routine preparation, the impact of competition frequency on performance, and the importance of focusing on strengths while managing weaknesses. The conversation also touches on the cultural aspects of gymnastics...


Studying Gymnastics In Japan is VERY Different to The UK - Felix Coomber
#28
04/21/2025

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In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Felix Coomber, an ex-English National Squad member and two-time British champion, shares his unique journey in gymnastics and his experiences training in Japan. He discusses his early beginnings in the sport, the transition to elite competition, and the cultural differences he encountered while studying and training abroad. Felix elaborates on the rigorous training regimen in Japan, the significance of the senpai-kouhai system, and the challenges of balancing university life with gymnastics. H...


It's HARD To Be a Coach in 2025 - Here is Why
#27
04/14/2025

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Join us for an insightful episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast as we sit down with David Hart, the Performance Director at British Gymnastics. With three years of experience leading the world-class program across all Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines, David shares his vision for the future of gymnastics in the UK.

In this episode, we discuss:

David's journey from healthcare to gymnastics leadership The evolution of the performance pathway and its current state The im...


Gymnastics Routine Analysis From The Welsh Championships!
#26
04/07/2025

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In this episode of the Gaming Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston Powell shares an in-depth account of his experience at the Welsh Championships, detailing his performance across all six apparatus in men's artistic gymnastics. He reflects on the highs and lows of his routines, including a standout floor routine that exceeded his expectations, despite some challenges on the pommel horse and rings. Winston emphasizes the importance of perspective in competition, reminding l...


A Physiotherapist's Guide To The World of Elite Sports - Louise Curley
#25
03/31/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Winston is joined by Louise Curley, a seasoned physiotherapist with 20 years of experience working with British gymnastics. They delve into the intricacies of physiotherapy in the world of gymnastics, discussing the unique challenges and demands faced by gymnasts across various disciplines, including artistic gymnastics and trampolining. Louise shares her journey into the field, the importance of injury prevention and performance optimization, and the collaborative nature of working with coaches and support staff. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of injury recovery, the significance of individualized training programs, and...


Gymnastics Broke Me, So I Started My Own Business - Daniel Purvis
#24
03/25/2025

In this episode of the Gamer Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston is joined by Daniel Purvis, an Olympic bronze medalist who played a pivotal role in the London 2012 Olympic team. Daniel shares his journey from a hyperactive child in Liverpool to a successful gymnast and now the owner of his own gymnastics club. He discusses the challenges he faced, including self-doubt and injuries, and how he overcame them through resilience and passion for the sport. The conversation delves into his experiences at major competitions, including the European Championships and the World Championships, leading up to the unforgettable moment at the...


Can Media and Marketing Help Gymnastics Grow as a Sport? - Tim Peake
#23
03/18/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell sits down with Tim Peake, the press officer for British Gymnastics, who has dedicated 18 years to the organization and has attended four Olympic Games. Tim shares insights into his evolving role, from copywriting to athlete support, and discusses the importance of storytelling in promoting gymnastics. He reflects on the growth of gymnasts he has worked with, such as Dan Purvis, and emphasizes the unique challenges of promoting the sport, particularly in maintaining public interest between major competitions. The conversation also touches on the significance of social media...


The Men's GB Development Gymnastics Squad!
#22
03/11/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell is joined by three talented gymnasts from the Leeds Gymnastics Academy: Jonas Rushworth, Mikey Goddard, and Elliot Vernon. All members of the GB Senior Development Squad, they share their journeys into gymnastics, memorable competition experiences, and the dynamics of training together. The conversation delves into the importance of motivation, discipline, and the supportive yet competitive environment at Leeds. The gymnasts discuss their individual goals for the upcoming years, the impact of the new code of points on their routines, and the significance of enjoying the journey in...


Why Strength and Conditioning is So Important - Ben Young
#21
03/04/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell is joined by Ben Young, a senior strength and conditioning coach with extensive experience in British gymnastics, particularly with the trampolining team leading up to their success in Paris. They delve into the critical role of strength and conditioning (S&C) in developing gymnasts, discussing how to effectively integrate S&C programs into the demanding training schedules of athletes. Ben shares insights from his unique journey into the field, the importance of profiling gymnasts' physical capabilities, and how tailored S&C programs can address specific needs and...


Navigating Competition Nerves: Strategies for Success in Gymnastics
#20
02/25/2025

In this episode, Winston is joined by Chelsea Orme, a sports psychologist from Grey Matters, who works closely with British Gymnastics. They delve into the critical aspects of building confidence in high-pressure situations, particularly in gymnastics, and explore the role of visualisation in enhancing performance. Chelsea shares her journey into sports psychology, the differences between gymnastics and other sports, and the importance of understanding both gymnasts and coaches in creating a supportive environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sports psychology emphasises the development of various mental skills, such as self-regulation, focus, and visualization, which are crucial for athletes...


My Fight To Become an Olympian for Jamaica - Danusia Francis-Reid
#19
02/18/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston is joined by Danusia Francis-Reid, a veteran gymnast and Olympian who has represented both Great Britain and Jamaica. They delve into Danusia's journey from her early days in gymnastics, where her passion was ignited by a simple after-school club, to her impressive career that includes competing at the NCAA level and ultimately becoming an Olympian in Tokyo 2020. The conversation explores the unique aspects of gymnastics, the differences between elite and collegiate competition, and the mental and physical challenges faced by gymnasts. Danusia shares her experiences with the pressures...


Italian Teamwork and Injury Recovery - Riccardo Villa
#18
02/11/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston Powell welcomes Italian gymnast Riccardo Villa, who shares insights from his impressive junior career, including a junior European gold and two junior world bronze medals. The conversation delves into Riccardo's journey in gymnastics, his training regimen, and the unique experience of being coached by gymnastics legends Igor Cassina and Alberto Busnari. Riccardo discusses the mental and physical challenges of the sport, including dealing with injuries and the pressure of competition. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process of gymnastics, the camaraderie among teammates, and the thrill of...


Can an Osteopath Heal Your Injury?
#17
02/04/2025

In this episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, host Winston welcomes Bob Allen, an experienced osteopath, as the first non-gymnastics guest. Bob shares his journey from a 20-year career in IT to becoming an osteopath, highlighting the holistic approach of osteopathy in treating muscle and joint problems. The discussion delves into the differences between osteopathy and physiotherapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the body as a whole rather than just focusing on the site of pain. Bob introduces the concept of kinesiophobia, the fear of pain through movement, and explains how it can affect athletes, particularly gymnasts. The episode...


Should a Gymnast go to University if they are SERIOUS about their Sport?
#16
01/28/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Sam Mostowfi shares his extensive journey in gymnastics, spanning over 15 years within the GB program. He reflects on his remarkable junior career, including experiences at the Youth Olympic Games and Junior World Championships, and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his competitive opportunities. Transitioning to university life, Sam emphasises the importance of education alongside athletics, detailing his decision to pursue a degree in business management while balancing rigorous training. He offers insights into the challenges of managing time and expectations as a high-performance athlete, the significance of competition experience, and...


Training Styles Across Borders: Caleb Drotsky's Global Gymnastics Journey
#15
01/21/2025


In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Caleb Drotsky shares his extensive gymnastics journey, having trained in various countries including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and now Great Britain. He discusses the differences in training styles across these regions, highlighting the structured approach in New Zealand and Australia compared to the more individualised training seen in Japan.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Diverse Training Experiences: Caleb Drotsky has trained in various countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Great Britain, each offering different training styles and structures. For instance, training in Japan was more individualised compared to...


Highlights and Hurdles: Liam Jury Reflects on His Gymnastics Career
#14
01/14/2025

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Liam Jury shares insights into his extensive gymnastics journey, which began at the age of six and has spanned over 15 years at Notts. He discusses his progression through various squads, including his time on the GB development and junior squads, and highlights significant achievements such as his first international competition and recent successes at the Northern Euros and British teams. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Gymnastics Journey: Liam Jury has been involved in gymnastics for about 15 years, starting at the age of six. He progressed through various squads, including the G...


The Thrill of Competition: Alex Yolshin -Cash Reflects on His Breakthrough Moments in Gymnastics
#13
01/07/2025

In this episode of the Games Gymnastics Podcast, Winston delves into Alex's impressive gymnastics journey, from his early days in a Gymnastics Club to becoming the London Open All-Round Champion and representing Great Britain at the Junior World Championships. Alex shares insights into his training experiences, challenges with injuries, and the emotional rollercoaster of competing on international stages. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Early Beginnings and Progression: Alex Yolshin-Cash started gymnastics at a young age (around four or five) at Utoxia Gymnastics Club, where he initially trained at a club level. His journey progressed significantly when he began competing i...


One Degree a Day: Reflections, Resolutions, and Finding Your Why
#12
12/31/2024

In this episode of The Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Winston shares a solo episode reflecting on the importance of goal-setting, navigating tough times, and building consistency. With the New Year approaching, he explores the concept of SMART goals and how incremental progress can lead to meaningful change. Winston also opens up about his own struggles with self-doubt and motivation, offering listeners a raw and honest perspective on overcoming challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Importance of a “Why”: Understanding the deeper reason behind your goals is crucial for staying motivated, especially during tough times. SMART Framework: Goals should be S...


Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Jacob Edwards Shares His Gymnastics Journey
#11
12/17/2024

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Winston welcomes guest Jacob Edwards, a Commonwealth gymnast for Wales, to discuss his journey in gymnastics, including his experiences at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and his aspirations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Jacob shares insights into the challenges of dealing with injuries and the importance of a strong support system, including family and teammates, in maintaining motivation during tough times.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Commonwealth Games Experience: Competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games was a significant highlight, providing a massive confidence boost and an opportunity to perform on a big stage, especially...


Building a Gymnast's Mindset: Sol Scott Shares His Approach to Competition Preparation
#10
12/10/2024

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, Winston and fellow gymnast engage Sol Scott the junior European vault champion and team champion of 2024. Sol shares his journey in gymnastics, starting from his early days at Hunter Gymnastics Club to competing at prestigious events like the European Youth Olympic Festival and the European Championships. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Journey in Gymnastics: Sol Scott began gymnastics at the age of four and progressed through various levels, ultimately reaching elite status by age eight. His training regimen evolved from recreational classes to 20-30 hours a week by age 13. Competition H...


Balancing Act: Dan Smyllie on Juggling University, Work, and Elite Gymnastics Training
#9
12/03/2024

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Dan Smiley shares his journey as a Scottish gymnast, reflecting on his early training at Earls Gymnastics Club and his experiences in the Middle East. He discusses the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals, emphasizing how they keep him focused and motivated in his pursuit of excellence in gymnastics. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Importance of Goal Setting: Setting both short-term and long-term goals is crucial for maintaining focus and motivation in gymnastics. Short-term goals help in the progression towards broader aspirations, such as becoming the best gymnast p...


Competing with Confidence Oakley Banks on Team Dynamics and Personal Growth
#8
11/26/2024

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics Podcast, Winston and guest Oakley Banks delve into Oakley's impressive gymnastics journey, which began at the age of six. They discuss key highlights of his career, including his experiences at the European Youth Olympic Games and the Junior European Championships, as well as his recent participation in the World Cup. Oakley shares insights into his training regimen, the importance of adapting routines to his body type, and the strategic nature of team competitions like Bundesliga. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Gymnastics Journey: Oakley Banks began gymnastics at the age of s...


Inside the Mind of a Gymnast: Zion Aserie Discusses Achievements, Goals, and the Future of the Sport
#7
11/19/2024

In this episode of the Game of 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. 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 yo...


The Art of Execution: How Gabriel Langton Balances Difficulty and Consistency in Competition
#6
11/12/2024

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. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Execution Over Difficulty: In gymnastics, especially during major competitions like the European Championships, focusing on executing routines cleanly can be m...


Team Spirit and Individual Performance: Insights from NCAA Gymnastics
#5
11/05/2024

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...


The Road to Junior Worlds: Insights from George Atkins on Competition Preparation
#3
10/29/2024

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 h...


Behind the Scenes of Competitive Gymnastics: Training, Challenges, and Triumphs
#1
10/29/2024

In the inaugural episode of the Game of 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 t...


From Junior Competitions to Commonwealth Glory: Joe Cemlyn-Jones' Gymnastics Journey
#2
10/29/2024

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...


Sam Oldhams Resilience and Growth: How Gymnastics Shapes Life Beyond the Mat
#4
10/29/2024

In this episode of the Game of 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 fo...