In The Club - The Kids' Activity Business Podcast
EP52: From Team GB Gymnast To Gladiators Champion
Get in touch with us directly today He won Gladiators, represented Team GB, and still says the real victory came long before the trophy. Joe Fishburn joins us to unpack what people never see behind “overnight success” in gymnastics: the years of slow progress, the injuries, the mistakes, and the moments where quitting would have been easier. If you coach kids, run a gymnastics club, or you’re simply trying to stay motivated through a hard season, Joe’s perspective hits with honesty and real warmth. We talk about coaching philosophy and retention, including Joe’s simple but surprisingly powerful approach: fun is the first skill we teach. From balancing multiple sports to keeping kids engaged through the awkward stages of growth and confidence, he shares what actually helps young athletes stay in the game long enough for things to click. We also explore how social media and athlete personalities are changing the way kids discover gymnastics, and what that means for the coach as a weekly role model. Joe also opens up about kinship care and adversity after losing his mum at just two years old and being raised by his grandmother. He explains how grief can shape behavior, how resilience is built over time, and why he now brings that message into schools across the UK through talks and active workshops that normalize failure and teach kids how to take the next step. Plus, we share details on our Train Like a Champion competition for gymnastics clubs in the UK and Ireland, including a visit and workshop day with Joe and a £500 Quatro voucher. Subscribe, share this with a coach or club owner who needs it, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway. Get Social with Us: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
