‘Who we become is the greatest reward for achieving our dreams, not
what we get’
Sport
Gymnastics – men’s artistic
Favourite quote
‘Who we become is the greatest reward for achieving our dreams,
not what we get’
Biography
I was born on a farm in Burnley, Lancashire and always wanted to
be a farmer until I reached my early twenties.
I started gymnastics at 9 years old as my older sister used to
do gymnastics and I just went along to burn off my excess energy. I
was hyperactive as a child and my parents thought that it was a
good place for me to go.
I had problems fitting into high school as I was the only boy
doing gymnastics in an all boys school and it was not easy, I
messed around and made some bad choices.
At the age of 21 I left the farm behind to take up centralised
training with the GB team at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
Success did not follow straight away as I was reserve for the 94
Commonwealth Games and 96 Olympics. This was without doubt the
lowest point in my career and had to have a major rethink on my
career and how I could reach my goals.
This failure was without doubt the best thing that happened, it
made me more determined to reach my goals and get where I wanted to
be, 1998 & 2002 Commonwealth Team Gold, and in 2000 I realised
my dream by becoming an Olympian with a Personal Best Performance
in the All Round final finishing 32nd.
There is no question that my Olympic performance is my greatest
ever achievement in gymnastics
Who is your role model?
Myself, I was not the most naturally talented gymnast but nobody
worked harder than me in the gym, and that’s why I became an
Olympian.
Who was your biggest influence?
In gymnastics a Russian coach called Nikolai Liskovitch, outside
of the gym, my mum.
What is your proudest moment?
Achieving my personal best in the 2000 Olympics, in Sydney.
What is your tip for young people wanting to take part in
sport?
Get stuck in, have a go and you never know where you might end
up.
What is your favourite music/band?
Oasis.
What is your favourite food?
Anything my wife cooks.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Believe in yourself and never give up.
Competitive Results
- 14 British titles
- Over 100 international competitions for England & EX
England & GB Captain
- 5 European Championships
- 5 World Championships
- 2 Commonwealth team gold medals (captain of team at both
games)
- Personal best at Sydney 2000 Olympics (only GB male gymnast in
2000)