GymCastic: The Gymnastics Podcast
Jessica O'Beirne & Spencer Barnes
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Olympic Bronze Medalist Sam Oldham on Gymnastics Politics, Spies & Athlete Welfare
Olympic bronze medalist Sam Oldham joins Jessica for a conversation about his personal Japanese Gymnastics Spy, mental health, ADHD, grace and letting coaches learn rather than be cancelled, sports science failures, NCAA gymnastics, and life after the 2012 Summer Olympics. From injury prevention and athlete autonomy to judging politics and storytelling in gymnastics media, this episode dives deep into how the sport is changing — and where it still falls short. Club Gym Nerd members, login for the extended version almost 2 hrs long. Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here). Tip: After logging in, refresh the podcast page and the extended player will appear. Not a member? Join here. GymCastic Live: Featuring Chae CampbellReplay tickets available → Get tickets here SAM OLDHAM INTERVIEW British gymnastics legend Sam Oldham is here, and yes, we're going to talk about everything from winning Great Britain's historic (first in 100 years) bronze medal at the London Olympics that changed everything for British Gymnastics, to the chaos, comedy, and emotional whiplash of elite gymnastics life. Sam brings the rare combination of competition accolades, deep gym nerd-student credentials, and the kind of honesty about athlete culture that makes you gasp-laugh and then immediately need a therapy session. We discuss the pressure cooker of British Gymnastics, his friendship and love for his coach, surviving weight-obsessed culture he swore he would never succumb to, and being followed by a Japanese gymnastics spy! Login to reveal the extended version on the website. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro & Why Sam Oldham's Story Matters 02:15 – The Reality of Funding Men's Gymnastics 06:40 – Building Relationships That Save Careers 10:12 – Live Show Replay & Club Gym Nerd Perks 16:11 – Sam Oldham on Coaching Wisdom & Sergei's Influence 22:45 – Why Gymnastics Breaks So Many Athletes 28:33 – Neurodiversity, Burnout & Life After Elite Sports 36:20 – The Pressure of Being "Perfect" as an Athlete 44:08 – Mental Health, Identity & Retirement from Gymnastics 52:14 – British Gymnastics Culture vs NCAA Energy 01:01:32 – Training Through Pain & Learning to Fuel Properly 01:08:45 – Eating Disorders, Fasting & Dangerous Training Culture 01:15:24 – Has Gymnastics Culture Actually Changed? 01:22:50 – Why Athletes Need Control of Their Own Narrative 01:30:57 – Speaking Out Against Harmful Coaching 01:33:44 – Cancel Culture, Grace & Learning in Coaching 01:40:10 – Why Storytelling Changes Gymnastics Culture 01:44:59 – The Japanese Gymnastics "Spy Network" Story 01:48:18 – FIG Studying NCAA Gymnastics & the Future of Pro Leagues UP NEXT Behind The Scenes Fridays at noon Pacific (next one May 22nd) SUPPORT OUR WORK Club Gym Nerd: Join Here Merch: Shop Now Games Podcast Tour Tickets Newsletters The Balance Beam Situation: Spencer's GIF Code of Points Gymnastics History and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim Resistance Resources Thank you to this week's sponsor StoryWorth: Order right now and save up to $20 at STORYWORTH.com/gymcastic
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