Izzy, 10-years, Gymnast:
I am a 10-year-old gymnast and I train for 24 hours a week on Bars, Beam, Vault and Floor. I’ve been doing gymnastics since I was 3 years old and I love it!
About 2 years ago, I suddenly found I couldn’t do one of the moves I’d been doing for ages on beam. Me and my coach and my mum tried everything to try and “get my flick” back but it just wouldn’t come and I nearly gave up gym completely.
Then I started working with Jo. She helped me think about things differently so that I focused on the “helpful head chatter” and I didn’t listen to unhelpful chatter. I have learnt to use traffic lights – ‘Stop, Think, Go’ – to help me with helpful thinking, as well as keep a focus spotlight in between pieces at a competition and to set goals which are in my control. After a few months I found my flick again. I still talk to Jo now, as I am learning new and more difficult skills.
Lydia (Izzy’s mum):
Izzy has been working with Jo now for about 2 years and during that time she has really developed in her attitude and approach to gymnastics. She approaches every competition with a mature mindset, setting herself goals she can control and focussing on her own performance and not those around her. This is a direct result of her work with Jo who has helped with so much more than the initial problem. Jo hadn’t worked with gymnasts before Izzy but that wasn’t important – she did her research and it was the principles which were important. Her engaging and encouraging manner means that she very quickly builds a strong rapport and we thoroughly recommend her.
