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 Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding, and Time-Bounded to maximise success.
Incremental Progress: Small, consistent steps ("one degree a day") can lead to significant achievements over time.
Mental Health and Reflection: Sharing personal struggles and talking to others can lighten the mental load and provide clarity.
New Year’s Resolutions: Shifting the terminology and mindset around resolutions can prevent failure and encourage lasting change.

BEST MOMENTS
"Every single thing you do in a day, you have a reason for doing it. Whether it's conscious or subconscious, there’s something driving you." – Winston Powell
"One degree a day might feel small, but over time, it makes all the difference. It’s the key to consistency and lasting progress." – Winston Powell

MY SOCIAL LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/


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.

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
<ul>
<li>The Importance of a &ldquo;Why&rdquo;: Understanding the deeper reason behind your goals is crucial for staying motivated, especially during tough times.</li>
<li>SMART Framework: Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding, and Time-Bounded to maximise success.</li>
<li>Incremental Progress: Small, consistent steps ("one degree a day") can lead to significant achievements over time.</li>
<li>Mental Health and Reflection: Sharing personal struggles and talking to others can lighten the mental load and provide clarity.</li>
<li>New Year&rsquo;s Resolutions: Shifting the terminology and mindset around resolutions can prevent failure and encourage lasting change.</li>
</ul>
BEST MOMENTS "Every single thing you do in a day, you have a reason for doing it. Whether it's conscious or subconscious, there&rsquo;s something driving you." &ndash; Winston Powell "One degree a day might feel small, but over time, it makes all the difference. It&rsquo;s the key to consistency and lasting progress." &ndash; Winston Powell
MY SOCIAL LINKS <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/">https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/</a>
 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.

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, coach, or fan, this podcast offers valuable insights into how the best in the world play the game to win when it matters most.

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, coach, or fan, this podcast offers valuable insights into how the best in the world play the game to win when it matters most.

The Game of Gymnastics

One Degree a Day: Reflections, Resolutions, and Finding Your Why

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 with strong home support in Birmingham.
Injury Management and Motivation: Dealing with injuries is a common challenge in gymnastics. Maintaining motivation during recovery involves focusing on what can be done rather than what cannot, and relying on a strong support system of family and teammates.
Preparation for Future Competitions: The goal is to prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with immediate steps including getting fit and strong after recent injuries. Upcoming competitions like the Northern Euros and British Championships are crucial for assessing progress.
Adapting to New Code of Points: The new gymnastics code emphasizes execution over difficulty, which may level the playing field. Gymnasts will need to be strategic in their routine planning, focusing on clean execution and adapting to the new requirements.


BEST MOMENTS
"Commonwealth Games, just the whole experience was unreal... to be able to compete in the all-around final, as well as the team competition was just... a great achievement and very proud of it." - Jacob Edwards

"In my head, I still knew that I had to be ready... I still went to training. I still did my stuff." - Jacob Edwards

"Injuries are the most brutal thing that can happen to anyone in sport... it really has a mental impact." - Jacob Edwards


MY SOCIAL LINKS

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

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.

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
<ul>
<li>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 with strong home support in Birmingham.</li>
<li>Injury Management and Motivation: Dealing with injuries is a common challenge in gymnastics. Maintaining motivation during recovery involves focusing on what can be done rather than what cannot, and relying on a strong support system of family and teammates.</li>
<li>Preparation for Future Competitions: The goal is to prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with immediate steps including getting fit and strong after recent injuries. Upcoming competitions like the Northern Euros and British Championships are crucial for assessing progress.</li>
<li>Adapting to New Code of Points: The new gymnastics code emphasizes execution over difficulty, which may level the playing field. Gymnasts will need to be strategic in their routine planning, focusing on clean execution and adapting to the new requirements.</li>
</ul>
 BEST MOMENTS "Commonwealth Games, just the whole experience was unreal... to be able to compete in the all-around final, as well as the team competition was just... a great achievement and very proud of it." - Jacob Edwards
"In my head, I still knew that I had to be ready... I still went to training. I still did my stuff." - Jacob Edwards
"Injuries are the most brutal thing that can happen to anyone in sport... it really has a mental impact." - Jacob Edwards
 MY SOCIAL LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/
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.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Jacob Edwards Shares His Gymnastics Journey

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 Highlights: Key highlights in Sol's career include competing at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Slovenia in 2023, where he won a team gold and an individual bronze on vault, and participating in the European Championships earlier that year.
Differences in Competition Formats: Sol noted the distinction between the European Youth Olympic Festival, which had a more communal atmosphere with various sports, and the European Championships, which focused solely on gymnastics and fostered a stronger team dynamic.
Skill Development Focus: Currently, Sol is working on upgrading his skills across various apparatuses, including transitioning to more complex tumbling passes on floor and enhancing his routines on pommel horse and rings, indicating a strategic approach to skill progression.
Mental Preparation for Competitions: Sol emphasizes the importance of consistency in his warm-up routines and mental preparation, focusing on key skills and maintaining a positive mindset to boost confidence before competitions. He also acknowledges the challenge of managing distractions, such as checking scores during events.

BEST MOMENTS
"I started gym at the age of four... always running about, trying to do new things like cartwheels." - Sol Scott

"It was such a good experience, especially competing with the seniors... it was such a good atmosphere." - Sol Scott

"I think this is a great time to work on my strength, my handstands and my giants with straight arms." - Sol Scott


MY SOCIAL LINKS

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

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.

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
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Competition Highlights: Key highlights in Sol's career include competing at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Slovenia in 2023, where he won a team gold and an individual bronze on vault, and participating in the European Championships earlier that year.</li>
<li>Differences in Competition Formats: Sol noted the distinction between the European Youth Olympic Festival, which had a more communal atmosphere with various sports, and the European Championships, which focused solely on gymnastics and fostered a stronger team dynamic.</li>
<li>Skill Development Focus: Currently, Sol is working on upgrading his skills across various apparatuses, including transitioning to more complex tumbling passes on floor and enhancing his routines on pommel horse and rings, indicating a strategic approach to skill progression.</li>
<li>Mental Preparation for Competitions: Sol emphasizes the importance of consistency in his warm-up routines and mental preparation, focusing on key skills and maintaining a positive mindset to boost confidence before competitions. He also acknowledges the challenge of managing distractions, such as checking scores during events.</li>
</ul>
BEST MOMENTS "I started gym at the age of four... always running about, trying to do new things like cartwheels." - Sol Scott
"It was such a good experience, especially competing with the seniors... it was such a good atmosphere." - Sol Scott
"I think this is a great time to work on my strength, my handstands and my giants with straight arms." - Sol Scott
 MY SOCIAL LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/
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.

Building a Gymnast's Mindset: Sol Scott Shares His Approach to Competition Preparation

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 possible.

Mental Resilience: Gymnasts often face challenges and setbacks, such as injuries or poor performances. Developing a positive mindset and using techniques like positive self-talk can help athletes bounce back from difficult days and maintain their confidence.

Value of Team Environment: Being part of a supportive team can significantly enhance a gymnast's experience and performance. Training with talented teammates and having mentors can provide motivation and accountability, fostering a positive training atmosphere.

Time Management Skills: Balancing training, education, and work requires effective time management. Gymnasts learn to prioritize their commitments from a young age, which helps them manage their responsibilities as they grow older.

Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: The journey in gymnastics involves constant learning and adaptation. Athletes must be willing to work on their weaknesses, set new challenges, and adjust their routines based on evolving standards and personal goals.

BEST MOMENTS
"For me, goal setting is a big thing... it keeps me focused on what I need to do every day." - Dan Smiley

"If you can't do something and you can't change it, then don't worry about it." - Dan Smiley

MY SOCIAL LINKS

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

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.

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.&nbsp;
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 possible.
Mental Resilience: Gymnasts often face challenges and setbacks, such as injuries or poor performances. Developing a positive mindset and using techniques like positive self-talk can help athletes bounce back from difficult days and maintain their confidence.
Value of Team Environment: Being part of a supportive team can significantly enhance a gymnast's experience and performance. Training with talented teammates and having mentors can provide motivation and accountability, fostering a positive training atmosphere.
Time Management Skills: Balancing training, education, and work requires effective time management. Gymnasts learn to prioritize their commitments from a young age, which helps them manage their responsibilities as they grow older.
Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: The journey in gymnastics involves constant learning and adaptation. Athletes must be willing to work on their weaknesses, set new challenges, and adjust their routines based on evolving standards and personal goals.
BEST MOMENTS "For me, goal setting is a big thing... it keeps me focused on what I need to do every day." - Dan Smiley
"If you can't do something and you can't change it, then don't worry about it." - Dan Smiley
MY SOCIAL LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/
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.

One Degree a Day: Reflections, Resolutions, and Finding Your Why

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