DFY: Becoming Unstoppable

🏆 From South London to World Champion: The Unstoppable Rise of Sadia Kabeya (#4)

In this episode of the DFY: Becoming Unstoppable Podcast, we sit down with Rugby World Cup winner,Sadia Kabeya. Sadia takes us through her journey from South London to the world stage – the early days of rugby, the graft that built her, the setbacks that shaped her, and the moments that changed everything. She talks openly about the women’s game today, the players she rates, and how it really compares to the men’s game. Plus celebrity questions and direct ones from the DFY Academy girls. (00:00:00) Introduction & Recent Achievements (00:01:34) Early Rugby Beginnings (00:03:53) Discovering Talent & Mentorship (00:05:03) Role of Mentors (00:07:20) Imposter Syndrome & Mindset (00:09:03) Evolving Mindset & Representation (00:10:43) Race, Identity & Fitting In (00:12:47) Advice for Young Athletes on Fitting In (00:13:58) Responsibility & Social Media (00:15:23) Designing the Satin Scrum Cap (00:17:42) Giving Back & School Visits (00:18:46) Mental Health & Pressure (00:21:40) Team Dynamics & Emotional Triggers (00:23:40) Building Emotional Strength (00:24:34) Advice for Coaches of Girls’ Teams (00:25:58) Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Rugby (00:27:45) Nutrition & Relationship with Food (00:30:46) Body Image & Confidence (00:34:19) Boundaries & Safety in Women’s Sport (00:36:25) Safeguarding & Coaching Boundaries (00:37:44) Should Women Coach Women? (00:38:36) Hard Truths of Elite Sport (00:40:27) What Becoming Unstoppable Means (00:43:46) Recent Mental Dip & Recovery (00:46:10) Players She Respects (00:47:35) Aspirations for Captaincy (00:49:01) Kids’ Questions: Match Nerves & Advice (00:52:21) Support from Family (00:53:10) Rugby “Just for Boys” Stereotype (00:54:47) Biggest Career Hurdles (00:57:15) Declan Rice’s Question - Physical Demands & Recovery (00:59:52) Sadia’s Mum’s Question - Most proud of your journey so far? (01:02:38) Annie Mac’s Question - How do you switch off?

⚽️ WSL record holder Kerys Harrop, "I wanted to be better than the boys!" (#3)

In this episode of Becoming Unstoppable, Kerys Harrop, the WSL record holder takes us through her journey of paving the way in English women’s football, smashing records and breaking barriers 🏆 (00:00:00) Introduction to Kerys Harrop (00:00:52) Being the all-time appearance holder in WSL. (00:01:12) Early Passion for Football (00:02:02) Defining Superpower on the Pitch (00:02:44) Leadership Style (00:04:24) Relationship with Managers (00:05:29) Sitting on the bench and learning from it (00:07:30) Toxicity in Teams (00:08:38) Advice to Young Players (00:10:47) Advice to Released Players (00:11:51) Role of Parents in Career (00:13:40) Resilience in Women's Football (00:15:03) Evolving Professionalism in Women's Football (00:16:54) Early Football Experiences (00:17:51) Being the Only Girl (00:18:47) Transition to Girls' Teams (00:19:15) Playing Positions (00:21:32) Social Media in Women's Football (00:23:52) Team Dynamics and Communication (00:24:35) Coaching (00:30:30) Proud Career Moments (00:32:06) Finding resilience (00:34:15) Financial disparities in Women's Football and Future Growth (00:36:57) Transitioning to Coaching and Mentorship Mother's Question: (00:38:12) Was she right to chase you down the pitch and make you be a good sportsperson? (00:39:17) Worst Training Drill (00:39:53) Idols and Inspirations Growing Up Get in Touch: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/dfysports) Email: nick@dfy.org.uk Website: https://www.dfy.org.uk

🏋🏾‍♀️ Olympian Zoe Smith on undiagnosed ADHD, appreciating the ride, diet, injuries, parents and winning (#2)

In this episode of the DFY:Becoming Unstoppable Podcast, Zoe Smith, an iconic weightlifter with British, European & Commonwealth gold medals and records to her name takes us through her journey from gymnastics to weightlifting the wins, challenges, and injuries on her journey. Zoe reflects on her early experiences, the support from her family, finding her true passion. She candidly talks about the impact of undiagnosed ADHD on her motivation and performance, the misconceptions surrounding the condition, and the importance of seeking help. Zoe's story highlights resilience, the significance of mental health awareness, and the power of a strong support system in overcoming challenges. Beyond her athletic success, Zoe advocates for body positivity and women in sports, inspiring many with her resilience and determination, and is a role model & inspirational figure in sport. (00:00:00) Introduction to Zoe Smith (00:01:16) Transition from Gymnastics to Weightlifting (00:03:17) First Competition Experience (00:05:14) Family support (00:07:56) Olympic Debut at London 2012 (00:08:39) Career highlight | Winning at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games (00:10:27) Proudest Moments | Qualifying for Tokyo Olympics (00:11:52) ADHD, symptons & Executive Disfunction (00:15:26) Misconceptions and types of ADHD (00:17:27) Advice for those experiencing similar struggles (00:18:37) Is medication the solution or an aid? (00:19:45) Positive aspects of ADHD (00:20:38) Overcoming injuries and setbacks (00:22:21) Role of Zoe's parents (00:23:07) Relationship with Social Media (00:27:03) Superstitions (00:27:45) What next? (00:29:45) Losing / making weight (00:31:22) "That was a career low" (00:34:46) Failing to Make Weight (00:37:08) Zoe's advice to 18 year old Zoe (00:37:52) Current perspective on achievements (00:39:34) Advice to talented young athletes (00:41:58) Zoe's Vices (00:42:39) Tacos, carbonara & pizza (00:43:40) Family questions (Zoe's mum...) (00:45:58) Parting thoughts Get in Touch: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/zoepablosmith https://www.instagram.com/nickrobinsonsport https://www.instagram.com/dfysports YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@DFYsports ⁠ [http://www.youtube.com/@DFYsports] Website: https://www.dfy.org.uk Email: nick@dfy.org.uk

🏉 Premiership winner, Freddie Burns on a rollercoaster career, imposter syndrome, proving people wrong, resilience and social media (#1)

Freddie Burns is an England Rugby international and Premiership Rugby winner. His last minute drop goal secured Leicester Tigers their first victory since 2013. Amongst other trophies, Freddie has played for England, has over 100 appearances for 2 different Premiership clubs, and has played in New Zealand and Japan. Freddie takes us though his journey from schoolboy rugby to current day, and unpacks a rollercoaster of a career. (00:00) Intro (00:40) Relationship between Freddie and Nick (03:57) Pathway through professional rugby (00:05:41) Imposter syndrome (00:12:08) Early passion for rugby and struggling at school (00:13:22) Advice to kids struggling to stay motivated at school (00:16:03) Class divide in rugby (00:18:47) Advice to 13 year old Freddie (00:20:25) Enjoy the moment and don't compare your life to someone else's social media feed (00:21:58) Building resilience (00:28:08) Importance of family to Freddie (00:29:57) The Rollercoaster (00:35:30) Setbacks being part of shaping Freddie's career. (00:38:36) Jamie Roberts' advice (00:40:47 Comparison with individual sports. (00:43:31) Advice to young athletes facing setbacks (00:45:28) Ready to give up (00:49:39) Relationship with social media (00:54:46) Handling online bullying and taking a break from social media. (00:57:30) Personal experience of being trolled on social media (00:59:17) The importance of not wasting energy on negativity Kids Questions: (01:00:50) What is your favourite food? (01:02:49) What is the naughtiest thing you did as a kid? Donna Burns Question: (01:04:35) Who clubbed the golf ball down the road and smashed the neighbour's car window? (01:06:32) Role Models in Sports - Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton (01:07:58) Parting Thoughts Get in Touch: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/dfysports) YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DFYsports [http://www.youtube.com/@DFYsports] Email: nick@dfy.org.uk Website: https://www.dfy.org.uk

DFY: Becoming Unstoppable

Welcome to Becoming Unstoppable, a DFY podcast where we celebrate leading athletes and their achievements. But what we're really doing is pulling back the veneer of social media and laying bare the setbacks and challenges that tested their resolve. We sit down with Olympians, Premiership winners and record holders who have battled inner demons and career-threatening injuries, imposter syndrome and rejection. We explore their stories of resilience, determination and luck that helped them overcome it all and become unstoppable.