Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod In this episode of Dive Beyond Sports, hosts Freddie Woodward and Yona Knight-Wisdom welcome Gary Smith, a former Olympic trampolinist and CIRQUE performer. Gary shares his journey from recreational trampolining to competing at the 2004 Athens Olympics and later joining Cirque du Soleil. He reflects on his career highlights, including his meticulous preparation for the Olympics, the thrill of performing with CIRQUE, and his current role in sports development. Gary also provides insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of consistency, preparation, and understanding athlete needs. The discussion touches on the transformative power of sport, the significance of high-performance environments, and the value of enjoyment and ambition in achieving success. Show Notes • What does it take to turn a recreational trampoline hobby into an Olympic journey. • How does competing once a year compare to performing ten times a week in Cirque du Soleil. • What mindset shifts are needed when transitioning from elite athlete to full-time performer. • How did Gary discover his Olympic identity long before trampoline became an Olympic sport. • What does true preparation look like when everything comes down to a 20-second routine. • How did Cirque du Soleil shape Gary’s understanding of teamwork, confidence, and stage presence. • What can athletes learn from performers about handling pressure and staying consistent. • How did Gary bring lessons from the stage back into high-performance coaching for Team GB. • What surprising challenges come with returning to coach a sport that has evolved dramatically. • How does Gary define excellence now—across being a father, coach, former Olympian, and performer. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:14 The Impact of Lottery Funding on Trampolining 02:54 Transition to CIR and Showbiz 05:30 Experiences in Show Creation and Performance 13:38 Return to Coaching and Evolution of Trampolining 18:05 Reflecting on Coaching Journeys 19:20 Challenges and Pressures in Coaching 21:23 Insights from Top Athletes 23:48 Peak Performance Moments 27:41 Preparation and Adaptability 29:35 Defining Excellence 32:02 Supporting Athletes as a Coach 34:03 The Complexity of Trampolining 35:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections Guest Picks:

Book #1: The Second Set of Eyes – Cody Royle Link (paperback): https://amzn.to/4oZh5Jt

Book #2: A Golden Age - Steve Redgrave (Autobiography) Link (paperback): https://amzn.to/3Locn9z

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Gary Smith: https://www.instagram.com/gsmith2209 Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward

Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw

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