DIVE Beyond Sport

Chris Hunt Skelley MBE: Be Humble, Be Kind (DIVE Ep.28)

Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod [patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod] In this episode, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE joins Dive Beyond Sport to share his journey as a para judo athlete, reflecting on competing under intense pressure, winning Paralympic medals, and the long-standing partnership with his coach, John, built on trust, shared leadership, and honest communication. Chris opens up about discovering he had oculocutaneous albinism as a teenager after years of worsening vision, light sensitivity, misdiagnosis, and being dismissed by doctors, which led to struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and later PTSD, while judo became a source of purpose and resilience. He also discusses the mental-health challenges he faced ahead of Paris, the pressures of para-sport classification, severe injuries and rehabilitation, and why his Paris bronze medal ultimately meant more to him than his Tokyo gold. Beyond competition, Chris reflects on retirement, returning to visually impaired rugby, mentoring others, public speaking, and why true strength comes from asking for help. Show Notes • How does an athlete rebuild confidence after life-changing setbacks and long periods away from competition. • What does resilience really mean when your journey includes uncertainty, injury, and adversity beyond sport itself. • How can elite athletes maintain belief when progress feels slow and unpredictable. • What role does mindset play in adapting to challenges that completely change your perspective on life and performance. • How do athletes separate identity from results while navigating pressure and expectations. • What happens when gratitude becomes a driving force behind performance and personal growth. • How can sport create purpose, confidence, and opportunity beyond medals and achievements. • What lessons does Paralympic sport teach about perspective, adaptability, and mental strength. • How do athletes continue pushing boundaries while balancing wellbeing, ambition, and long-term goals. • What can Chris Hunt Skelley’s journey teach us about courage, resilience, and redefining success through adversity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:48 Paralympic Gold Mindset 03:58 Coach Bond and Trust 06:23 Athlete Led Coaching 08:45 Diagnosis and Early Struggles 11:31 Medical Dismissal and Crisis 13:58 Answers at Last 16:04 Judo as a Lifeline 19:03 Relapse and Classification Stress 23:56 Support Systems and Counseling 26:20 Injuries and Rapid Comebacks 31:08 Hip Dislocation to World Medal 34:55 Why Athletes Risk It 36:14 Stitches and determination 36:57 Risk reward mindset 39:43 Classification explained 41:18 System failures and reform 47:37 Cheating and fairness concerns 50:10 Weight class upheaval 53:06 Paris bronze redemption 56:56 Life after retirement 01:01:03 Men talking and strength 01:05:01 Humble and kind finale Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678%20] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 [https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7%20] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod [%20%E2%81%A0https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod%E2%81%A0] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod%20] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod [https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod [https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod] Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Chris Hunt Skelley: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.skelley [https://www.instagram.com/christopher.skelley] Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward [https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward] Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw [https://www.instagram.com/yonakw] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Rhiannan Iffland: Diving for 10 (DIVE Ep.27)

Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod] In this episode, Rhiannan Iffland joins us to share her journey from trampolining and traditional diving to becoming one of the most dominant athletes in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. She reflects on career-defining moments, including earning straight 10s in icy conditions and competing in Sydney in front of her family, while opening up about setbacks, pressure, injuries, and the mindset shifts that shaped her success. Rhiannan also shares insights into her preparation routines, visualization techniques, recovery, and her thoughts on the future of high diving and life beyond the sport. Show Notes • How does an athlete stay motivated after reaching the top of their sport multiple times. • What does confidence look like in a sport where fear and risk are part of every performance. • How can elite athletes manage pressure while competing in extreme environments. • What role does mindset play when performance depends on committing fully without hesitation. • How do athletes learn to trust themselves when the margin for error is so small. • What happens when success becomes about consistency rather than proving yourself. • How can setbacks and difficult moments strengthen long-term resilience and perspective. • What does it take to maintain focus, discipline, and longevity in elite sport. • How do athletes balance ambition with enjoying the journey and the lifestyle their sport provides. • What can Rhiannan Iffland’s journey teach us about courage, confidence, and high performance under pressure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:49 Standout Dives and Straight Tens 03:51 Origins of Competitive Drive 04:09 From Trampoline to Diving 07:35 Quitting and Cruise Ships 10:48 Police or Performer Path 15:21 Learning High Diving Skills 17:21 Abu Dhabi Disaster Lesson 20:36 Dad’s Advice and First Win 27:02 Pressure Expectations and Aging 36:09 Training Buildups for 20m 38:00 Fear Management and Visualization 43:08 Visualization Routines 47:33 Breath And Focus Cues 49:51 Tactile Calming Tricks 52:51 Handling Wind And Weather 55:44 Life After Diving 58:22 Olympics And Sport Growth 01:02:03 Advice To Younger Athletes 01:03:46 Naming The Movie 01:07:59 Bonus Stunt Stories 01:11:00 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:16:15 Final Thanks And Wrap Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678%20] https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678%20Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 [https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7%20] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod%20] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod [https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod [https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod] Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Rhiannan Iffland: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannan_iffland [https://www.instagram.com/rhiannan_iffland] Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward [https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward] Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw [https://www.instagram.com/yonakw] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Sebastian Musson: Reaching for the Impossible (DIVE Ep.26)

Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod] In this episode, we sit down with Sebastian Musson, a 19-year-old paraclimber, explains he was born without his left hand and competes in the AU2 (upper-limb amputee) category. He describes climbing one-handed using compression and chest strength, managing “barn door” swings with unique body positioning, and resting via techniques like heel hooks, while noting routes are typically set for non-disabled climbers. Musson shares how supportive family and classmates normalized his disability, though strangers’ staring once led him to hide his arm until sport and teammates helped him embrace it and welcome questions. Inspired by London 2012, he pursued elite sport, started climbing after rugby training was cancelled, and was introduced to competitions by Anita Agarwal. He discusses para climbing’s inclusion in LA 2028, limited medal categories, and his goal of Paralympic gold to prove “anything is possible,” titling his story “Reaching for the Impossible.” Show Notes • How does an athlete build identity while balancing performance, pressure, and personal growth. • What does resilience look like when progress is not always visible or immediate. • How can athletes stay committed to long-term development in a results-driven environment. • What role does mindset play in handling setbacks, uncertainty, and competition pressure. • How do athletes learn to trust their process when outcomes are unpredictable. • What happens when expectations begin to shape confidence and self-belief. • How can sport teach discipline, patience, and ownership over one’s journey. • What does it take to perform consistently at a high level over time. • How do athletes redefine success beyond results and external validation. • What can Sebastian Musson’s journey teach us about growth, mindset, and high performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:37 Born Without a Hand 02:10 Paraclimbing Category Explained 02:31 Climbing One-Handed Techniques 06:01 Everyday Life Adaptations 07:49 Supportive School Years 09:56 Inspired by London 2012 14:09 How Climbing Began 16:08 Mentors and Finding Community 18:37 Stares, Confidence, and Owning It 23:03 Competition Pathway and Training 27:59 LA Paralympics Announcement Relief 30:25 Finding the North Star 31:35 Parents Back the Dream 34:00 Pro Era for Para Climbing 35:03 LA28 Categories Explained 36:59 Lead Format and Rules 41:00 Training for Ideal Routes 44:05 Why Everyone Should Climb 47:03 What Gold Would Mean 48:20 Reaching for the Impossible 52:06 Wrap Up and Bonus Tease Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678%20] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 [https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7%20] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod%20] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod [https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod [https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod] Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Sebastian Musson: https://www.instagram.com/seb_paraclimbing [https://www.instagram.com/seb_paraclimbing] Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward [https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward] Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw [https://www.instagram.com/yonakw] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Stacey Copeland: Paving the Way (DIVE Ep.25)

Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod [patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod] In this episode, we sit down with former international footballer and boxer Stacy Copeland about identity, exclusion, and changing stereotypes in sport and beyond. Copeland recalls falling back in love with boxing after a heartbreaking football injury and describes being forced out of a primary school football match for being a girl, then cutting her hair and using a boy’s name to keep playing. She explains how women’s football was effectively blocked through lack of FA recognition and how women’s boxing was legally banned until Jane Couch’s 1997–98 court case, alongside myths like women’s uteruses falling out if they ran marathons. Copeland outlines her charity Pave the Way, now focused on challenging gender stereotypes for boys and girls, including school projects. She also recounts winning a Commonwealth boxing title but initially being denied a real belt, prompting her to campaign for women’s belts. Show Notes • How does an athlete rebuild identity when the sport they love tells them they do not belong. • What happens when gender becomes the biggest barrier to chasing your dream in elite sport. • How can resilience be built when rejection starts in childhood and continues into professional competition. • What does it take to challenge systems, stereotypes, and traditions that were never designed for you to succeed. • How do athletes separate self-worth from exclusion, setbacks, and the feeling of being underestimated. • What role does sport play in challenging social inequality and changing how people see themselves and others. • How can pioneers turn personal injustice into purpose that creates opportunities for future generations. • What happens when success becomes less about medals and more about creating lasting change. • How do athletes use their platform to inspire confidence, challenge bias, and break down stereotypes. • What can Stacey Copeland’s journey teach us about courage, leadership, and paving the way beyond sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:06 From Football to Boxing 02:02 Sport Identity and Access 04:38 Playing as a Boy 08:03 Rejection and Resilience 12:21 When Boxing Was Illegal 13:01 Hidden History of Women Sport 20:45 Myths That Block Women 26:54 Pave The Way Origins 29:41 Olympics and Weight Classes 31:20 Expanding Beyond Sport 33:13 Boys Can Dance 34:02 Beyond Gender Lists 35:02 Imposter Syndrome Stories 37:04 Paved The Way Projects 41:10 Sport Barriers And Bias 44:25 Code Switching And Identity 50:27 Commonwealth Belt Fight 56:30 Advice To Younger Self 59:30 Naming The Episode 01:00:24 Final Thanks And Wrap Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678%20] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 [https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7%20] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/ [https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod/%20] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod%20] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod [https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod [https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod] Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Stacey Copeland: https://www.instagram.com/staceycopelandboxer [https://www.instagram.com/staceycopelandboxer%20%20] Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward [https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward] Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw [https://www.instagram.com/yonakw] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Luke Whitehouse: The Unbreakable Will to Win (DIVE Ep.24)

Follow us on Patreon for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive clips. Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod [patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod] In this episode, we sit down with Luke Whitehouse to explore the mindset, progression, and belief required to perform at the highest level of gymnastics. Luke takes us inside the journey of learning and competing the triple back on floor, sharing the years of preparation, technical detail, and trust in his own instincts that made it possible. He reflects on his path from starting gymnastics in Yorkshire to becoming European champion, opening up about the challenges of late national team selection, missed opportunities, and stepping up when it mattered most. The conversation also touches on managing injuries, building confidence, and balancing elite sport with education, while keeping a long-term vision of becoming a world and Olympic champion. A powerful discussion about discipline, resilience, and performing under pressure. Show Notes • How does a young athlete transition from emerging talent to competing on the world stage in elite gymnastics. • What does it take to develop confidence performing high-risk skills under intense pressure. • How can athletes balance fear and execution when margins for error are extremely small. • What role does consistency and repetition play in building trust in your own performance. • How do athletes respond to setbacks, mistakes, and the unpredictability of competition. • What happens when expectations rise as results and visibility increase. • How can athletes stay grounded while pushing the limits of what is physically possible. • What mindset is required to perform when everything is on the line. • How does elite sport shape discipline, focus, and long-term development. • What can Luke Whitehouse’s journey teach us about courage, progression, and performing under pressure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:39 Breaking Down the Triple Back 03:28 Spotting vs Feeling in the Air 04:34 Naming Rights and Skill Value 06:50 How Luke Found Gymnastics 09:01 Shyness to Confidence 11:40 Law of Attraction Mindset 14:43 Mentors and Late Squad Breakthrough 18:22 European Gold and Worlds Snub 23:45 Olympic Year Call Up Drama 29:04 Nerves and Controlling Controllables 36:37 Life Beyond Sport and Uni 46:04 Injuries and Competing Hurt 50:56 LA Goals and Team Medal Dream 54:33 Giving Back with a Gym Club 56:09 Movie Title and Wrap Up Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678%20] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7 [https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7%20] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.facebook.com/divebeyondsportpod] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod [https://www.instagram.com/divebeyondsportpod%20] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod [https://www.tiktok.com/@divebeyondsportpod] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod [https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod] Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Luke Whitehouse: https://www.instagram.com/lukebwhitehouse [https://www.instagram.com/lukebwhitehouse] Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward [https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward] Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw [https://www.instagram.com/yonakw] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]