Podcast
DIVE Beyond Sport
Hosted by Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie Woodward · EN
DIVE (Discovering Identity, Value, and Excellence) Beyond Sport goes beneath the surface of elite sport — into the minds, moments, and messy bits of what it really means to be an elite athlete. Hosted by Olympic divers and long time mates Yona Knight-Wisdom and Freddie Woodward, this show isn’t about stats or podiums. It’s about the people behind the performances. From mental health to identity, purpose to transition, we explore the untold stories and honest reflections that often get left out of the highlight reels. With guests like Olympic medallists, rising stars, and athletes who've redefined their lives post-sport, DIVE is for anyone curious about what drives excellence — and what happens when the lights go off and the cameras stop rolling.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Chris Hunt Skelley MBE: Be Humble, Be Kind (DIVE Ep.28)
2d ago01:14:38Tap to summarizeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Rhiannan Iffland: Diving for 10 (DIVE Ep.27)
1w ago01:11:19Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Rhiannan Iffland joins us to share her journey from trampolining and traditional diving to becoming one of the most dominant athletes in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. She reflects on career-defining moments, including earning straight 10s in icy conditions and competing in Sydney in front of her family, while opening up about setbacks, pressure, injuries, and the mindset shifts that shaped her success. Rhiannan also shares insights into her preparation routines, visualization techniques, recovery, and her thoughts on the future of high diving and life beyond the sport. Show Notes • How does an athlete stay motivated after reaching the top of their sport multiple times. • What does confidence look like in a sport where fear and risk are part of every performance. • How can elite athletes manage pressure while competing in extreme environments. • What role does mindset play when performance depends on committing fully without hesitation. • How do athletes learn to trust themselves when the margin for error is so small. • What happens when success becomes about consistency rather than proving yourself. • How can setbacks and difficult moments strengthen long-term resilience and perspective. • What does it take to maintain focus, discipline, and longevity in elite sport. • How do athletes balance ambition with enjoying the journey and the lifestyle their sport provides. • What can Rhiannan Iffland’s journey teach us about courage, confidence, and high performance under pressure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:49 Standout Dives and Straight Tens 03:51 Origins of Competitive Drive 04:09 From Trampoline to Diving 07:35 Quitting and Cruise Ships 10:48 Police or Performer Path 15:21 Learning High Diving Skills 17:21 Abu Dhabi Disaster Lesson 20:36 Dad’s Advice and First Win 27:02 Pressure Expectations and Aging 36:09 Training Buildups for 20m 38:00 Fear Management and Visualization 43:08 Visualization Routines 47:33 Breath And Focus Cues 49:51 Tactile Calming Tricks 52:51 Handling Wind And Weather 55:44 Life After Diving 58:22 Olympics And Sport Growth 01:02:03 Advice To Younger Athletes 01:03:46 Naming The Movie 01:07:59 Bonus Stunt Stories 01:11:00 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:16:15 Final Thanks And Wrap Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Rhiannan Iffland: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannan_iffland Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sebastian Musson: Reaching for the Impossible (DIVE Ep.26)
2w ago00:56:55Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, we sit down with Sebastian Musson, a 19-year-old paraclimber, explains he was born without his left hand and competes in the AU2 (upper-limb amputee) category. He describes climbing one-handed using compression and chest strength, managing “barn door” swings with unique body positioning, and resting via techniques like heel hooks, while noting routes are typically set for non-disabled climbers. Musson shares how supportive family and classmates normalized his disability, though strangers’ staring once led him to hide his arm until sport and teammates helped him embrace it and welcome questions. Inspired by London 2012, he pursued elite sport, started climbing after rugby training was cancelled, and was introduced to competitions by Anita Agarwal. He discusses para climbing’s inclusion in LA 2028, limited medal categories, and his goal of Paralympic gold to prove “anything is possible,” titling his story “Reaching for the Impossible.” Show Notes • How does an athlete build identity while balancing performance, pressure, and personal growth. • What does resilience look like when progress is not always visible or immediate. • How can athletes stay committed to long-term development in a results-driven environment. • What role does mindset play in handling setbacks, uncertainty, and competition pressure. • How do athletes learn to trust their process when outcomes are unpredictable. • What happens when expectations begin to shape confidence and self-belief. • How can sport teach discipline, patience, and ownership over one’s journey. • What does it take to perform consistently at a high level over time. • How do athletes redefine success beyond results and external validation. • What can Sebastian Musson’s journey teach us about growth, mindset, and high performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:37 Born Without a Hand 02:10 Paraclimbing Category Explained 02:31 Climbing One-Handed Techniques 06:01 Everyday Life Adaptations 07:49 Supportive School Years 09:56 Inspired by London 2012 14:09 How Climbing Began 16:08 Mentors and Finding Community 18:37 Stares, Confidence, and Owning It 23:03 Competition Pathway and Training 27:59 LA Paralympics Announcement Relief 30:25 Finding the North Star 31:35 Parents Back the Dream 34:00 Pro Era for Para Climbing 35:03 LA28 Categories Explained 36:59 Lead Format and Rules 41:00 Training for Ideal Routes 44:05 Why Everyone Should Climb 47:03 What Gold Would Mean 48:20 Reaching for the Impossible 52:06 Wrap Up and Bonus Tease Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Sebastian Musson: https://www.instagram.com/seb_paraclimbing Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Stacey Copeland: Paving the Way (DIVE Ep.25)
3w ago01:05:30Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, we sit down with former international footballer and boxer Stacy Copeland about identity, exclusion, and changing stereotypes in sport and beyond. Copeland recalls falling back in love with boxing after a heartbreaking football injury and describes being forced out of a primary school football match for being a girl, then cutting her hair and using a boy’s name to keep playing. She explains how women’s football was effectively blocked through lack of FA recognition and how women’s boxing was legally banned until Jane Couch’s 1997–98 court case, alongside myths like women’s uteruses falling out if they ran marathons. Copeland outlines her charity Pave the Way, now focused on challenging gender stereotypes for boys and girls, including school projects. She also recounts winning a Commonwealth boxing title but initially being denied a real belt, prompting her to campaign for women’s belts. Show Notes • How does an athlete rebuild identity when the sport they love tells them they do not belong. • What happens when gender becomes the biggest barrier to chasing your dream in elite sport. • How can resilience be built when rejection starts in childhood and continues into professional competition. • What does it take to challenge systems, stereotypes, and traditions that were never designed for you to succeed. • How do athletes separate self-worth from exclusion, setbacks, and the feeling of being underestimated. • What role does sport play in challenging social inequality and changing how people see themselves and others. • How can pioneers turn personal injustice into purpose that creates opportunities for future generations. • What happens when success becomes less about medals and more about creating lasting change. • How do athletes use their platform to inspire confidence, challenge bias, and break down stereotypes. • What can Stacey Copeland’s journey teach us about courage, leadership, and paving the way beyond sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:06 From Football to Boxing 02:02 Sport Identity and Access 04:38 Playing as a Boy 08:03 Rejection and Resilience 12:21 When Boxing Was Illegal 13:01 Hidden History of Women Sport 20:45 Myths That Block Women 26:54 Pave The Way Origins 29:41 Olympics and Weight Classes 31:20 Expanding Beyond Sport 33:13 Boys Can Dance 34:02 Beyond Gender Lists 35:02 Imposter Syndrome Stories 37:04 Paved The Way Projects 41:10 Sport Barriers And Bias 44:25 Code Switching And Identity 50:27 Commonwealth Belt Fight 56:30 Advice To Younger Self 59:30 Naming The Episode 01:00:24 Final Thanks And Wrap Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Stacey Copeland: https://www.instagram.com/staceycopelandboxer Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Luke Whitehouse: The Unbreakable Will to Win (DIVE Ep.24)
Apr 2101:03:57Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, we sit down with Luke Whitehouse to explore the mindset, progression, and belief required to perform at the highest level of gymnastics. Luke takes us inside the journey of learning and competing the triple back on floor, sharing the years of preparation, technical detail, and trust in his own instincts that made it possible. He reflects on his path from starting gymnastics in Yorkshire to becoming European champion, opening up about the challenges of late national team selection, missed opportunities, and stepping up when it mattered most. The conversation also touches on managing injuries, building confidence, and balancing elite sport with education, while keeping a long-term vision of becoming a world and Olympic champion. A powerful discussion about discipline, resilience, and performing under pressure. Show Notes • How does a young athlete transition from emerging talent to competing on the world stage in elite gymnastics. • What does it take to develop confidence performing high-risk skills under intense pressure. • How can athletes balance fear and execution when margins for error are extremely small. • What role does consistency and repetition play in building trust in your own performance. • How do athletes respond to setbacks, mistakes, and the unpredictability of competition. • What happens when expectations rise as results and visibility increase. • How can athletes stay grounded while pushing the limits of what is physically possible. • What mindset is required to perform when everything is on the line. • How does elite sport shape discipline, focus, and long-term development. • What can Luke Whitehouse’s journey teach us about courage, progression, and performing under pressure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:39 Breaking Down the Triple Back 03:28 Spotting vs Feeling in the Air 04:34 Naming Rights and Skill Value 06:50 How Luke Found Gymnastics 09:01 Shyness to Confidence 11:40 Law of Attraction Mindset 14:43 Mentors and Late Squad Breakthrough 18:22 European Gold and Worlds Snub 23:45 Olympic Year Call Up Drama 29:04 Nerves and Controlling Controllables 36:37 Life Beyond Sport and Uni 46:04 Injuries and Competing Hurt 50:56 LA Goals and Team Medal Dream 54:33 Giving Back with a Gym Club 56:09 Movie Title and Wrap Up Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Luke Whitehouse: https://www.instagram.com/lukebwhitehouse Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jazmin Sawyers: Jaz of All Trades (DIVE Ep.23)
Apr 1401:20:06Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, we sit down with long jumper Jazmin Sawyers to explore one of the defining moments of her career and the journey that led to it. Jazmin reflects on her emotional victory at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul, where she jumped 7.00m for the first time, set a British indoor record, and secured her first major international title after years of battling self-doubt and inconsistency on the biggest stages. She opens up about the mental challenges of elite competition, including being highly self-critical, learning to separate self-worth from results, and finding ways to maintain belief through setbacks and near misses. Beyond the track, Jazmin shares how creativity and personal expression have played a key role in her wellbeing, using focused periods away from competition to reset mentally and regain clarity. The conversation also explores her Achilles rupture in 2024, the immediate reality of missing Paris, and how she approached recovery with perspective, visualization, and support from those around her, including fellow athletes and experienced staff. A powerful and honest discussion about resilience, identity, recovery, and finding gratitude in the journey — redefining success beyond medals and results. Show Notes • How does an elite athlete rebuild identity after a serious injury interrupts momentum and progress. • What does resilience really look like when setbacks force you to step away from the sport you love. • How can athletes navigate uncertainty, recovery, and the emotional challenges of being sidelined. • What happens when confidence is tested during long periods away from competition. • How do athletes separate self-worth from performance when they are unable to compete. • What role does creativity and expression play in maintaining identity beyond sport. • How can athletes stay motivated and focused during rehabilitation and return-to-play journeys. • What lessons does elite sport teach about patience, perspective, and long-term development. • How does adversity reshape ambition, mindset, and future goals. • What can Jazmin Sawyers’ journey teach us about growth, resilience, and redefining success beyond results. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:36 The First Seven-Meter Jump 03:53 Seeing the Record on Board 07:20 Belief Through Setbacks 11:03 More Than an Athlete 14:14 Ambition and Disappointment 18:04 Season Goals and Failure 20:49 Busy Life Boosts Performance 24:23 Training Time and Recovery 27:02 Obsessed or Balanced Passion 33:19 I Hate Training but I Go 36:13 Drive You Cannot Teach 38:43 Potential and Alignment 39:47 Chasing the Perfect Day 40:55 Seven-Meter Gold Reflection 43:11 Achilles Rupture Moment 46:37 Visualization and Rehab Team 48:46 Relearning Progress Metrics 54:17 Finding Gratitude After Paris 58:13 Avoiding Injuries and Talent 01:00:41 Advice That Actually Works 01:04:45 Becoming a Public Voice 01:10:49 Movie Title and Wrap-Up Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Jazmin Sawyers: https://www.instagram.com/jazminsawyers Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Ben Wiggins: Why Pressure Makes Diamonds (DIVE Ep.22)
Apr 701:11:33Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, we sit down with pro cyclist Ben Wiggins to talk about balancing identity, pressure, and ambition while developing in elite sport. Ben shares what it’s like being the son of Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins. He opens up about both the opportunities, such as access to top coaches and mentors, and the added expectations that come with his name. He also reflects on how his dad’s presence can shift the dynamic inside a velodrome. We explore his journey from playing rugby in a rugby-focused town to committing fully to cycling during COVID. With structured training and a loaned bike, he found his path and was later selected for British Cycling’s pathway program. Ben also discusses the mental side of performance. He talks about building confidence through fast progress, learning that development is not always linear, and handling high-pressure environments. He shares lessons from setbacks, including a serious elbow injury and missing Worlds selection before earning a spot at the European Championships. At the core of the conversation, Ben highlights the importance of friendships, vulnerability, and leadership, showing that success in sport goes beyond results. Show Notes • How does growing up around elite sport shape identity before an athlete even chooses their own path. • What does it mean to build a career while stepping out of the shadow of a famous sporting legacy. • How can young athletes balance expectation, pressure, and personal passion while developing at the highest level. • What role do setbacks, learning curves, and early failures play in long-term athletic growth. • How do athletes learn patience in a culture that celebrates instant success and rapid results. • What mindset is required to transition from promising junior talent to senior elite competitor. • How can sport teach independence, resilience, and ownership over one’s journey and decisions. • What happens when external comparisons challenge confidence and self-belief. • How do athletes define success when the journey is still unfolding rather than already completed. • What can we learn about identity, ambition, and self-discovery from building a career on your own terms. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:51 Growing Up Wiggins 02:49 From Rugby to Cycling 05:53 Lockdown Turning Point 11:19 Confidence and Trajectory 15:40 Pressure and Setbacks 19:04 Fear of Failure Lessons 24:51 Dreaming Big Mindset 28:12 Success Beyond the Bike 32:28 GB Cycling Team Culture 33:58 Finding Mental Balance 36:18 Injury Setback Lessons 38:44 Turning Pain Into Growth 41:59 Mentors And Coaches 45:24 Dad’s Powerful Presence 49:02 Teammates Over Rivalry 53:43 Becoming A Team Leader 58:29 Vulnerability As Leadership 01:01:42 Pressure Makes Diamonds 01:06:14 Final Wrap And Next Steps Guest Pick: Book: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne Link: https://amzn.to/4aiHnBC Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the podcast. Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Ben Wiggins: https://www.instagram.com/benwiggins05 Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Chemmy Alcott: Behind the Smile | Grip and Rip It (DIVE Ep.21)
Mar 3101:09:51Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, English former World Cup alpine ski racer and broadcaster Chemmy Alcott discusses how she built her identity through skiing in a loud family with older racing brothers, including early lessons in humility from a childhood “gold medal” story. She reflects on being marketed young for her image, being judged for embracing femininity, and pushing back against a culture where women felt pressured to “ski like men,” inspired by athletes like Lindsey Vonn. Alcott explains how external expectation led her to ski at 80% for years, avoiding crashes but limiting potential, until a breakthrough World Cup run showed her “good enough” was good enough—followed by repeated serious injuries. She explores separating self-worth from results, reframing fear and failure (“win or learn”), retirement forced by amputation risk, and the hardest identity shift: motherhood and learning to slow down. Show Notes • How does an athlete rebuild confidence after repeated injuries threaten a lifelong Olympic dream. • What does resilience really look like when setbacks happen publicly and repeatedly on the world stage. • How can elite performers transform fear into fuel when competing in high-risk environments like alpine skiing. • What happens when identity is shaped by performance from childhood through multiple Olympic cycles. • How do athletes maintain belief when progress is slow, painful, and uncertain. • What role does mindset play in returning stronger after physical and emotional setbacks. • How can embracing vulnerability help athletes perform with greater freedom and authenticity. • What lessons does elite sport teach about courage, preparation, and managing uncontrollable outcomes. • How does motherhood reshape an athlete’s perspective on success, ambition, and balance. • What can Chemmy Alcott’s journey teach us about redefining success beyond medals and results. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:55 Gold Medal Myth 02:51 Family And Identity 06:05 Siblings And Image 11:17 Fast And Feminine 17:04 Social Media Pressure 17:59 Injuries And Risk 21:00 Eighty Percent Trap 25:18 Solden Breakthrough 29:49 Success Beyond Podiums 32:12 Perfection Versus Excellence 32:40 Perfect Versus Fast 33:36 Julia Mancuso Mindset 34:52 Forced Retirement Decision 37:20 Motherhood Identity Shift 39:12 Athlete Ego After Sport 42:55 Reframing Failure 48:07 Fear As A Superpower 51:17 Why Ski Sunday Works 54:55 Winter Olympics Predictions 01:00:27 Movie Title Wrap Up Guest Pick: Book: Open by Andre Agassi Link: https://amzn.to/49Q4thT Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the podcast. Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Chemmy Alcott: https://www.instagram.com/chemmyski Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Man Who Walks Faster Than You Run with Tom Bosworth | DIVE Ep.20 Part 2
Feb 2000:41:06Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Tom Bosworth, a two-time Olympic race walker from England, joins the Dive Beyond Sport podcast to share his powerful journey through elite sport, mental health, and life beyond competition. Tom reflects on rising from grassroots athletics to competing at the 2016 Summer Olympics, winning 20+ national titles, captaining England at the Commonwealth Games, and helping bring race walking into the Diamond League. He opens up about the intense pressures of professional sport, a heartbreaking disqualification at the 2017 World Championships, and a severe mental health crisis in 2018. With support from UK Athletics, Tom began rebuilding his life, sharing practical tools for creating identity beyond sport and finding balance after retirement. He also talks about coming out publicly ahead of Rio with Victoria Derbyshire, and how living authentically improved both his wellbeing and performance. Now retired, Tom discusses chronic injuries, rediscovering everyday life, and his new project Walking With Purpose — a movement app designed to help vulnerable and inactive people build simple daily walking habits. An honest, inspiring conversation about pressure, identity, recovery, and finding purpose beyond elite sport. Show Notes • How does an elite athlete rebuild identity when sport is no longer everything. • What does resilience really mean when pressure, injury, and mental health collide. • How can athletes separate self-worth from results, funding, and public expectation. • What happens when your entire sense of self is built around performance. • How do you navigate burnout, loneliness, and the emotional cost of chasing Olympic dreams. • What role does movement play in healing, perspective, and long-termwellbeing. • How can vulnerability become a strength in high-performance environments. • What lessons does elite sport teach about balance, relationships, and everyday joy. • How do athletes redefine success after retirement from competition. • What can Tom’s journey teach us about contentment, courage, and life beyond medals. Chapters 00:00 Walking for Mental Health 00:36 Pandemic Fitness Reset 02:04 Modern Fitness Problems 03:11 Walking With Purpose App 04:35 Working With the NHS 07:10 Moving Without Pressure 08:48 Small Walks, Big Impact 10:33 Prevention Through Movement 14:00 Does Housework Count? 16:17 Everyday Movement 17:32 What’s Next 18:32 Coming Out in Sport 19:13 Before Rio 2016 21:50 LGBTQ+ Olympic Athlete Life 25:16 Advice on Coming Out 28:08 Why Race Walking Is Hard 31:01 Injuries & Retirement 32:26 Where to Find Tom Bosworth 34:11 Final Thoughts Guest Picks: Book 1: The Chimp Paradox Link: https://amzn.to/4juCEQF Book 2: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Link: https://amzn.to/4p9UNUO Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the podcast. Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Tom Bosworth: https://www.instagram.com/tombosworth Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Man Who Walks Faster Than You Run with Tom Bosworth | DIVE Ep.20 Part 1
Feb 1700:37:53Tap to summarizeFollow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode, Tom Bosworth, a two-time Olympic race walker from England, joins the Dive Beyond Sport podcast to share his powerful journey through elite sport, mental health, and life beyond competition. Tom reflects on rising from grassroots athletics to competing at the 2016 Summer Olympics, winning 20+ national titles, captaining England at the Commonwealth Games, and helping bring race walking into the Diamond League. He opens up about the intense pressures of professional sport, a heartbreaking disqualification at the 2017 World Championships, and a severe mental health crisis in 2018. With support from UK Athletics, Tom began rebuilding his life, sharing practical tools for creating identity beyond sport and finding balance after retirement. He also talks about coming out publicly ahead of Rio with Victoria Derbyshire, and how living authentically improved both his wellbeing and performance. Now retired, Tom discusses chronic injuries, rediscovering everyday life, and his new project Walking With Purpose — a movement app designed to help vulnerable and inactive people build simple daily walking habits. An honest, inspiring conversation about pressure, identity, recovery, and finding purpose beyond elite sport. Show Notes • How does an elite athlete rebuild identity when sport is no longer everything. • What does resilience really mean when pressure, injury, and mental health collide. • How can athletes separate self-worth from results, funding, and public expectation. • What happens when your entire sense of self is built around performance. • How do you navigate burnout, loneliness, and the emotional cost of chasing Olympic dreams. • What role does movement play in healing, perspective, and long-term wellbeing. • How can vulnerability become a strength in high-performance environments. • What lessons does elite sport teach about balance, relationships, and everyday joy. • How do athletes redefine success after retirement from competition. • What can Tom’s journey teach us about contentment, courage, and life beyond medals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:56 From Turning Up to Olympian (Tom Bosworth) 04:21 Gratitude, Opportunity & Race Walking 06:55 The First Big Yes 08:44 When Sport Took Over 12:25 2018 Breaking Point 17:02 Fame, Pressure & Hiding Struggles 22:58 The Four Corners Framework 26:24 Finding Worth Beyond Sport 30:54 Why Elite Sport Is Still Worth It 33:50 Walking Forward: What’s Next Guest Picks: Book 1: The Chimp Paradox Link: https://amzn.to/4juCEQF Book 2: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Link: https://amzn.to/4p9UNUO Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the podcast. Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Tom Bosworth: https://www.instagram.com/tombosworth Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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