This week on the PerformHappy Podcast we chat with Karen Medellin, former elite gymnast and current coach and owner of 360 Elite Gymnastics. about setting kids up for collegiate success while ensuring their happiness and well-being. Karen shares insights from her journey and coaching philosophy, offering unique insights into managing competitive pressures and mental wellness. After a career-ending injury and a shift from athlete to coach, she emphasizes the need to create a supportive environment that focuses on the well-being of athletes as much as their performance. Whether you’re a parent ..read more

In today’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, we explore the essentials of injury prevention and strength building in young gymnasts with Dr. Jenny Borda, PT, DPT. She offers expert insights on strength training, flexibility, and technique to ensure athlete longevity. We also cover the importance of mental resilience, stress management, and open communication in supporting young athletes. Tune in for practical advice on effective warm-ups, cool-downs, and diversified training to prevent overuse injuries, benefiting gymnasts, parents, and coaches alike. In this episode, Coach Rebecca and Dr ..read more

I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Audrey Davis, a standout senior from the championship-winning Oklahoma University gymnastics team. Discover how Audrey maintains peak performance under intense pressure and learn the secrets behind her consistency and joy in the sport. With two NCAA national titles under her belt and a third in sight, Audrey shares the highs and lows of her gymnastic journey, revealing how a positive mindset and gratitude have been key to her success. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring gymnasts and anyone interested in how elite athletes thrive amidst ..read more

Today's episode is all about embracing change in the world of gymnastics, and I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Jessica McDonough, better known as Coach Jessie from Olympus Gymnastic Club. A former Utah NCAA gymnast, Coach Jessie brings a fresh perspective to the sport. At Olympus, she's been instrumental in reshaping the gym culture, moving away from traditional coaching methods to create a more positive and supportive environment. What makes Coach Jessie stand out is her dedication to continual growth. She's a role model for coaches at every stage of their careers, emphasizing the impor ..read more

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Hailey D’Lynn Smith, who went from an energetic gymnastics beginner to a celebrated cheerleader, clinching the title of 2021 Texas Cheerleader of the Year. Starting gymnastics at two, Hailey transitioned to cheerleading despite injuries and no prior experience in the sport, showcasing her sheer determination and resilience. Hailey's story emphasizes the power of self-belief and mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. She shares how confidence and a strong sense of self-propelled her through the ranks, even when starting ..read more

Today’s episode I'm thrilled to share with you a captivating gymnastics coaching journey, featuring none other than the remarkable Cleo Washington. I Cleo shares her experiences and expertise gained over 20 years in the gymnastics coaching world, where she has coached World Champion Morgan Hurd, national team member Kaliya Lincoln, and the promising Olympic hopeful, Nola Matthews. But beyond the accolades, Cleo's approach stands out for its emphasis on mental health and athlete wellbeing. In our conversation, Cleo shares her philosophy on finding the balance between nurturing compassion and f ..read more

In today's PerformHappy podcast, join me in a conversation with Sam Oldham, a key member of the 2012 bronze medal-winning Great Britain Men's Gymnastics Team. Now a gymnastics coach and a new dad, Sam opens up about the intense pressure of chasing an Olympic dream, discussing the weight of expectations, imposter syndrome, and the emotional challenges he faced. Reflecting on pivotal moments and the toll on his mental health, Sam shares his journey, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspect of mental health in elite sports. As a coach and parent, Sam offers valuable insights for parents nav ..read more

Today on the Perform Happy Podcast join me for an inspiring chat with Kirsten Medeiros, a former D1 gymnast, coach, and dedicated mom. She's the force behind a nonprofit ensuring every child, regardless of financial challenges, can pursue their sports dreams. Kirsten shares wisdom from her gymnastics journey, discussing discipline, empathy, and valuable life lessons. As a gymnastics mom, she understands the hurdles families face. Her nonprofit dismantles financial barriers, fostering inclusivity and talent growth. Discover the story behind Kirsten's initiative – born out of a need for a char ..read more

In today's episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I am thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the remarkable Canadian National Team Coach, David Kikuchi. A two-time Olympian himself and the guiding force behind Ellie Black's journey to three Olympics, Kikuchi is widely recognized as the "Lord of the Rings" and "The King of Consistency." Join me as we delve into his extraordinary career and explore the invaluable lessons he shares on achieving greatness in sports. David Kikuchi's achievements in the world of gymnastics are nothing short of legendary. Hitting 49 out of 49 successful ro ..read more

In today's PerformHappy Podcast episode, we take a different approach in anticipation of the upcoming release of my book, "Parenting Through Mental Blocks." Rather than hosting, I had the privilege of being the interviewee, engaging in a focused conversation with gymnastics coach Peterson Pierre on his podcast, Heated Conversations. With over a decade and a half of coaching experience, Peterson has worked with athletes ranging from young adolescents to Division 1 collegiate programs. As a former two-sport Division 3 athlete himself, his passion for people shines through in his commitment to h ..read more