Shows
Destination TokyoFinally becoming an Olympian and living with Coeliac - Laura Gallagher, Team GB Trampoline GymnastLaura Gallagher is a GB Trampoline Gymnast, an 8 times World and European medal winner and now a member of Team GB.
Laura gave a great interview in Episode 40 talking about giving up the sport five years ago, a crisis of confidence and never giving up. She promised to come back to tell us if she made the team. And I'm delighted to see we can celebrate!
Laura talks about what it means to her. The conversation's she's had with her mum over the last few days. And what's happening between now and July. She also talks about the effects of...2021-06-1011 min
1865: The Nottingham Forest Podcast1865 meets ... former BBC East Midlands Sports Editor Mark Shardlow (Part 2)The 1865 Forest Ramble is part of the Fan Hub Network - where fans come first.
Part 2 of our interview with former Radio Nottingham and East Midlands Today Sports Editor, Mark Shardlow is here! Mark shares his experience of commentating on some highs and devastating lows in the late 1980s, and tells us about hosting Brian Clough's first ever radio phone-in. There is also time for a game of Guess That Red!
If you missed Part 1, find it by visiting our archives www.eighteensixtyfive.football.
Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, a...2021-06-0933 minDestination TokyoA special moment, a biking accident and Over Training Syndrome - Vicky Thornley GB RowingVicky Thornley is heading to her third Olympic Games. The Team GB rower won silver in Rio with Katherine Grainger and also competed in the 8 in London. But this will be her first Games going solo.
Vicky's had a few bumps along the way and talks openly and honestly about the issues she has had with over training and her nasty accident on her bike during lockdown.
But she's fit and ready to head out to a training camp ahead of going to the Far East. And says team selection is a special moment for her.
Thanks for listening!
Support...2021-06-0908 minDestination TokyoHeading to a remarkable 7th Games - Jeanette ChippingtonJeanette Chippington is one of the world's most successful paddlers. She's won multiple world championships and is the current Paralympic champion in KL1, when the sport made it's debut at Rio.
Jeanette made her debut in the 1988 Games and competed at 5 successive Paralympics in Swimming, winning 12 medals including 2 golds.
She talks about three decades in elite sport, the issues of the last year and the sadness at losing her father to Covid in 2020.
Thanks to Jeanette and the team and thank you for listening. If you'd like to make a donation to Maggie's Cancer Centres then the link is here
...2021-06-0810 minDestination TokyoThe Olympic dream taken from Becky DownieBecky Downie has been left out of the Olympic team for Tokyo. The experienced Team GB athlete has had a torrid few weeks after the sudden death of her brother and having a special trial two weeks later to try to secure her place. An appeal failed.
"Ever since I was a little girl winning an Olympic gold medal has always been my dream. I don't have the words to describe how it feels now not being able to even try."
Support this podcast2021-06-0708 minDestination TokyoDevelop the person first and their welfare, rather than the athlete - Joe McDonnell, GB athletics sprint coachJoe McDonnell is an athletics sprint coach and part of the British Athletics coaching team.
Joe speaks to me from European Para-athletics European Championships in Bydgosczc in Poland.
He talks openly and candidly about the coaching issues over the last 12 months and his hopes for Tokyo. Joe believes individual welfare and development as a person comes way before athletic development.
If you'd like to contact me, I'm at markshardlow@icloud.com
And if you'd like to donate to Maggie's it's https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo
Support this podcast2021-06-0411 min
1865: The Nottingham Forest Podcast1865 meets ... former BBC East Midlands Sports Editor Mark Shardlow (Part 1)The 1865 Forest Ramble is part of the Fan Hub Network - where fans come first.
We are joined by a special guest with nearly forty years' experience of reporting on the Reds: Rich Ferraro and Steven Toplis are joined by former Radio Nottingham and East Midlands Today Sports Editor, Mark Shardlow. In part 1 of our interview, Mark tells us about his early days in hospital radio and providing matchday commentary, to meeting Brian Clough, then the world's most famous football manager. Mark also shares a secret about his own footballing allegiances...
Like what you hear...2021-06-0329 minDestination TokyoThe challenges of organising the GB teams - Penny Briscoe, Chef de Mission, Paralympics GB onIt's 50 days to go until the start of the Olympics which marks the beginning of an extraordinary summer of sport in Tokyo with the Olympics and Paralympics. So how has it been for those involved in the organisational side! One guess!!
Penny Briscoe is the team leader of Paralympics GB. She's called the Chef de Mission, which is the head of the team. Penny has been involved in many games, but of course this one has been more challenging by far than any other.
Penny talks to me about those challenges; gives an honest appraisal of where the Games are...2021-06-0312 minDestination TokyoThe only woman in the team - Kylie Grimes, GB Wheelchair RugbyKylie Grimes has committed herself fully to being a Paralympian and these will be her 3rd Games.
Kylie is the only woman named in the GB Wheelchair Rugby squad in this mixed event.
She says competing at the top level has been a dream since she was a young girl. A swimming accident changed her life but she used sport as part of her rehab and absolutely loves it.
Kylie says sport is her life and her dream has always to be a top sportswoman.
Support this podcast2021-06-0206 minDestination TokyoMy dad remains my inspiration - Mahama Cho, GB TaekwondoMahama Cho has been named as part of the GB Taekwondo squad for the Tokyo Olympics. This will be his second Olympic Games after a 5th place in Rio.
I caught up with him whilst he was trying out the Team GB formal suit supplied by Simon Jersey. He talks about looking the part for the Games.
He was massively inspired by his dad who encouraged him to work hard and never give up. He looks up to what his dad did in the sport and remains Mahama Cho's inspiration throughout his 14 years on the squad.
I'm making these podcasts...2021-06-0108 minDestination TokyoA new sport for the Games - Matt Bush GB Para TaekwondoMatt Bush talks to me about being on the team for the debut of Para Taekwondo at the Paralympics.
Matt talks about his journey into the sport; what he loves about it and how he balances training with working for the family firm. He also talks about how he had to convince his local gym owner that
He came close to making Rio in 2016 in the javelin.
Thanks for listening and for all the feedback!
Support this podcast2021-05-2807 minDestination TokyoAn epic whirlwind - the fortunes of Beth Munro Para-TaekwondoBeth Munro has been named in Paralympics GB's taekwondo team for the Tokyo Games. Beth is 27 and from Liverpool and has had a remarkable few months. In her first international competition she qualified a place for the Games and this week has been selected.
Beth played netball and threw javelin until 2019 when she was spotted and invited to try out for taekwondo. She'd never done a martial art before. She took to it and now will be mixing it with the best in the world.
I loved Beth's passion and infectious enthusiasm for the sport. I hope you do to.
...2021-05-2708 minDestination Tokyo"We're in better shape than any other National Olympic Committee going in to the Games" - Mark England, Team GBMark England is Team GB's Chef de Mission for the Tokyo Olympics. The Chef de Mission is the person in charge of the team. And there's been a lot of complexity to get to this point ready for Tokyo.
Mark says the preparations are in good shape because of the work done before last March when travel restrictions came in. In fact, because of the restrictions on time allowed in the Athletes Village, the preparation camp and facilities will be even more important.
If you'd like to support my chosen charity, Maggie's Cancer Centres, then I'm raising awareness by doing...2021-05-2609 minDestination TokyoPommel horse in the dining room and a life-long ambition - James Hall and Joe FraserMore gymnastics today with chats to the other two athletes selected for the men's gymnastics team for Tokyo.
Joe Fraser is the 2019 world champion on the parallel bars.
He was a typical 5 year old who was always tumbling around the house and when he was taken to gymnastics class as a kid he loved it. When he first saw the Olympics on TV he decided he wanted to be there.
Joe talks about his experiences at the Youth Olympics and going out to the Rio Games in 2016 to learn about the Olympic experience.
James Hall is also ready to make...2021-05-2512 minDestination TokyoThe motivation of being a dad + injury comeback - Max Whitlock and Giarnni Regini-MoranHere are two of the Team GB Gymnasts named for Tokyo this summer. We'll talk to the rest of the team on the next podcast.
Max Whitlock is Britain's best ever gymnast with 2 Olympic gold medals and 3 bronze medals. Max talks about leaving his parents to live in Slovenia as a 12 year old and how that shaped his career. He also talks about the motivation of being a dad.
I interviewed Giarnni when he won a medal the European Games in Minsk in 2019 which marked a remarkable comeback from a career threatening injury.
Thanks for downloading. If you'd like to...2021-05-2409 minDestination TokyoA Paralympic legend - David WeirParalympic legend David Weir talks about his struggles since Rio. The six times Paralympic gold medal winner spoke to Track and Ball podcast and here's a little taster
You can follow Track and Ball with Richard Whitehead and Ellen White here:
@trackandballpod
@ellsbells89
@marathonchamp
And the David Weir podcast is here
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b300bf18-dd0d-48e5-af12-c57b0311f887
Support this podcast2021-05-2107 minDestination TokyoBack after competing in Japan this week - Paratriathlete George PeasegoodNot many international athletes have had the opportunity to compete in Japan over the last 12 months. But George Peasegood is just back from the Triathlon World Series in Yokohama.
George Peasegood is a British paratriathlete aiming to be at the Tokyo Paralympics this summer. And he gave his chances a massive boost with a win!
George talks about the race and the whole logistics of competing in Japan - which is a fascinating insight.
If you want to donate to Maggie's Cancer Centres here's my link
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo
Support this podcast2021-05-2010 minDestination TokyoA few thoughts on Tokyo - Mark ShardlowUnder ten weeks to go to the start of the Olympics and we're faced with uncertainty so here are a few thoughts.
Back tomorrow with an athlete who's returned this week from Japan.
Support this podcast2021-05-1906 minDestination TokyoMore disruption and a 9 week plan - GB's Lauren Smith and Marcus EllisMarcus Ellis and Lauren Smith are GB's top mixed doubles badminton pairing. And they hope they've done enough to be selected for their second Olympic Games.
Marcus and Lauren talk us through the latest disruption to their 2021 and the wait to hear if they're on the team. They're now expecting to be grounded in the UK before flying out to the Games and have a 9 week plan in place.
They also talk about the latest easing of lockdown restrictions and what they fancy doing.
If you want to contact me, I'm on markshardlow@icloud.com
and you can donate to...2021-05-1810 minDestination TokyoThe light at the end of the tunnel - GB Marathon Swimmer Alice DearingGB swimmer Alice Dearing is on the final leg of her preparations as she prepares to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Like many athletes, this has been a challenging time, with events cancelled and a lack of competition.
Alice talks about coping mentally with the restrictions that have been on all athletes and GB citizens during 2021 and how much she's looking forward to the latest easing of restrictions and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Her original Olympic qualification event in Japan was cancelled a few weeks ago, but it's now been rearranged for next month in...2021-05-1711 minDestination TokyoBeing away from the kids and the hard graft needed - Ian Marsden, paracanoe medal winner from RioIan Marsden is a pretty impressive sportsman. He started out as a powerlifter but a spinal injury left him with a disability and that changed his sporting journey.
Ian moved to hand cycling, shooting and finally after a talent ID session in 2012 to paracanoe. He loved the Rio Games in 2016 and came back with a bronze medal.
He went to those games in Brazil just days after the birth of his youngest child, Charlie.
Ian explains why he loves being part of the team and how he's preparing for this summer.
Support this podcast2021-05-1409 minDestination Tokyo!00 days to the Paralympics - Paralympic GB's Charlotte HenshawIt's a welcome back to paracanoe's Charlotte Henshaw, who's been charting her Tokyo journey for this podcast.
Charlotte began the year recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with
She's now feeling good and enjoyed competing again last month for the first time in 18 months.
Charlotte is a Paralympic medal winner - at swimming - when she was within a fingernail of a gold medal. She's now raring to go in a canoe and is a big medal hope for this summer.
All this week I'm talking to members of the Paracanoe team to make 100 days to go.
If you're enjoying...2021-05-1307 minDestination TokyoBeing a track athlete and a Paracanoeist - Laura SugarHere's a chat with the super talented Laura Sugar who's part of the GB Paracanoe squad aiming for a medal in Tokyo this summer.
As well as training on the water, Laura can also be found at the High Performance Athletics Centre in Loughborough where she's in the spring squad. She competed at the Rio Paralympics in 2016.
Laura was inspired to search out Paralympic sport after seeing an athlete with her disability compete at London 2012 and she hopes she can in turn help others find elite sport.
I'm behind the scenes with the paracanoe squad this week to mark 100 days...2021-05-1209 minDestination TokyoWind, waves and a Tahitian canoe - Emma Wiggs, ParacanoeEmma Wiggs is part of the GB Paracanoe team and is the first guest in a special week of interviews with 100 days to go to the Tokyo Paralympics.
She sees 100 days to go as not just a milestone for the athletes but also for society as we move away from lockdown in the UK.
Emma has just competed for the first time in ages and enjoyed being back on the start line again.
Emma won gold in Rio in 2016 when Paracanoe made its Paralympic debut. This summer she'll be in a new event - the Va'a
If you'd like to...2021-05-1108 minDestination Tokyo"A happy athlete is a fast athlete" - Jack Green Olympian on well-being and performanceJack Green made his Olympic debut in London in 2012 with a secret. He competed in the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay but what wasn't know about was his depression and mental health issues.
Jack had wanted to be an Olympian since the age of 7 but his memories of London were feeling full of fear and scared. It was a time when sport really didn't address mental health issues.
He's now working full-time in mental health for Champion Health and you can find the resources Jack talks about in the podcast here
https://championhealth.co.uk/blog/
You can...2021-05-1011 minDestination TokyoMental Health Awareness Week - Dame Kelly HolmesThis episode features an interview with Dame Kelly Holmes from the Her Spirit Podcast. Details below. Dame Kelly talks frankly about the mental health issues she has faced and the self-harming she was carrying out in the year before her historic gold medal winning performances in Athens in 2004. She continued to self-harm until 2017.
There are some powerful and heartfelt words from Kelly who shares the highs and the the lows of a phenomenal career as an athlete.
This interview was first aired and can be heard in full on the Her Spirit Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/cy/podcast/double-olympic-champion-dame-kelly-holmes-talks-about...2021-05-0711 minDestination TokyoBack on the track after 18 months - Martyn RooneyHe's one of the senior members of the GB Athletics squad but he wants to be there with a shot of being part of one of the Olympics new events.
Martyn Rooney is part of the 4x400m squad - and there'll be extra medals to win this summer with a mens and a mixed event.
Martyn took 2020 off and feels he's refreshed as he prepares for his first event of the season. He talks about his training method, an injury setback and his venture as a podcast host.
You can hear Martyn with Paralympian Dan Greaves in That Greaves...2021-05-0610 minDestination TokyoSwitching from tennis to a canoe - David PhillipsonHe's been at three Paralympic Games...but as a wheelchair tennis player. This summer David Phillipson is hoping to get to his first games as part of the GB paracanoe squad.
David is European Champion in VL3 but is off in mid-May to try to qualify his place for the Tokyo Paralympics.
David tells us about the switch and what it is that he likes about being on the water and his love of drag racing.
Thanks for listening!
I'm making these podcasts to help raise awareness of the work of Maggie's Cancer Centres and raise some money for this...2021-05-0508 minDestination TokyoThe remarkable Clegg family - Libby and Stephen CleggHere are brother and sister Libby and Stephen Clegg talking about their Tokyo aims this summer.
Libby and her guide runner Chris Clarke won double gold in Rio in 2016 on the track. Stephen made 2 finals in the same games. Their brother James won a medal in London.
The family has a deteriorating eye condition called Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy.
Libby goes to this games as a mum - with young Edward just turned two.
I'm making these podcasts to try to raise money for the cancer charity, Maggie's. If you feel you can spare a couple of pounds to support please...2021-05-0410 minDestination TokyoHandstands, cold showers and competing again - Adam Burgess and Kimberley Woods, GB Canoe SlalomAdam Burgess and Kimberley Woods have known they were going to the Olympics since October 2019. Of course, there's been lots of uncertainty in between, but they're looking forward to making their Olympic debuts in Tokyo.
Kimberley Woods is in canoe slalom K1. Adam in the C1. I spoke to them both on an international competition day ahead of the European Championships.
Kimberley talks about the positives from the last year and how she feels so much stronger than in 2020. She can't wait to get started.
Adam is equally excited - but he talks about the mindfulness and yoga he's been...2021-04-2912 minDestination TokyoTeam GB's newest mum - Naomi Folkard and her 11 week old daughterIt's been a remarkable year for Naomi Folkard, the Team GB Archer. Naomi gave birth to her first daughter 11 weeks ago.
Naomi talks about the juggling act of being a new mum and preparing for a staggering 5th Olympic Games.
The Archer says it's been a daunting time but she's managed to stay calm and it's given her a great distraction from her sport.
Naomi has competed internationally since the age of 12 but after "retiring" twice since the Rio Games in 2016 she's excited about the British Archery team's prospects in Tokyo.
Thanks for listening. If you would like to support...2021-04-2810 minDestination TokyoWhen you're named for Team GB whilst doing your GCSE's - Team GB Swimming SquadIn this episode we hear from the great Adam Peaty, the in-form Molly Renshaw and the coach of Derby's Derventio Excel Swim Squad Jamie Main.
It's the day when the majority of the squad for Tokyo is named - but one 16 year old couldn't be there. Jacob Whittle is in the middle of his GCSE assessments - his head coach Jamie Main talks about the achievement and the troubles swimming clubs have had during the lockdown periods.
Adam Peaty looks forward to attacking the pool and retaining gold and Molly Renshaw tells me why she enjoyed parts of lockdown.
If...2021-04-2710 minDestination TokyoRocky Balbao and the battles I face - Ali Jawad, GB Paralympic Powerlifter"Sometimes it's not about the medals, it's about looking yourself in the mirror and being satisfied you never gave up against some incredible odds." Ali Jawad 2021
So here's the final push towards Tokyo qualification. Ali is a multiple medal winner in powerlifting. But his Crohn's Disease has severely affected his lifting since the Rio Games.
Ali freely admits he's not the lifter he was. So qualification is tough. He's got two World Cups to choose from to try and make it. One in Georgia and a second in Dubai. Ali will probably have to choose just one to go to...2021-04-2610 minDestination TokyoGroundbreaking times for para-sport - Andy StevensonThis has been quite a week for para-sport and especially wheelchair basketball. Channel 4 and BBC Sport reporter Andy Stevenson talks about the importance of a new professional league for women's wheelchair basketball.
Andy's also been digging in to the archive to find out about the Tokyo Paralympics of 1964 and he's found some gems!
Andy and I have both been out filming this week and we sense the excitement building with trails, selections and major championships all happening.
Thanks for listening to Destination Tokyo. You can contact me on markshardlow@icloud.com
And you can check out my just giving page...2021-04-2311 minDestination Tokyo"Super proud to be on the team" - Team GB Archer Patrick Huston is selected for his 2nd OlympicsThe Archery teams for Team GB and Paralympics GB have been named for Tokyo this summer and amongst them is friend of this podcast Patrick Huston.
Patrick takes us to his club in the Shropshire countryside to tell us what becoming a two times Olympian means to him and how proud he is to be part of a team he thinks will come back with medals.
He talks about the wait for the Games and the challenge of getting Covid and missing several weeks of training.
And he talks about the way he's changed his body since the Rio Games...2021-04-2210 minDestination TokyoReady to travel and race again - GB Paratriathlete George PeasegooldFor the first time in 18 months this athlete is preparing for a flight to compete...and it's a flight to Japan. Paratriathlete George Peasegood is off to Yokohama to compete in the World Series in May.
Paralympic qualification points will be up for grabs and it's a step up from the recent competition where the running and cycling were on gym equipment.
George also talks about how much he's learnt since his Paralympic debut in Rio in 2016, where he led for around half of the race.
Thanks for listening, following and reviewing. Feel free to contact me at markshardlow@icloud...2021-04-2009 minDestination Tokyo"If you really, really want something, you can achieve it" - Emily Campbell, weightlifterEmily Campbell is a weightlifter I've covered for a few years now.
She says "If you really really want something you can achieve it. It's not been easy." She's come back from the European Championships with gold medals as Britain had a massively successful tournament. They're now waiting for formal confirmation on the team for Tokyo.
Emily's had support from her local community with fund raising efforts from local traders and friends. And there's a real sense of pride at her achievements. It's not been easy because her sport's attracted little or no funding.
Emily won a medal at the...2021-04-1911 minDestination TokyoPacking to travel and treats to take abroad - Tom Sorsby and Adam Dixon, GB HockeyTom Sorsby and Adam Dixon are part of the GB Hockey squad who are in Malaysia. They spoke with me from their hotel rooms in Kuala Lumpur. They'd been there for six days - part of their quarantine - without being able to leave the room.
GB are in Malaysia for some competition and warm weather training. So what's it been like being in quarantine? And what snacks and treats have they taken with them to get by? And what do they most desire.
Thanks for listening. Please give me a follow and drop me a line at markshardlow@icloud...2021-04-1610 minDestination TokyoDealing with race nerves - Becky AdlingtonSo, who's Britain's best ever woman swimmer? Rebecca Adlington won double gold at the Beijing Olympics to announce her international status. She followed it up with two bronze medals in London four years later.
I sat in on Becky's interview with the Her Spirit podcast presented by Louise Minchin and Annie Emmerson. You can hear the full 45 mins here: https://pod.fo/e/c503b
Becky talks about the pressure she felt in London in 2012 and why she decided to retire in 2013 aged 23.
She also reveals the nerves she felt for days before competing and how she dealt with it.
...2021-04-1508 minDestination TokyoWhat it means to be an Olympian. 100 days to go with badminton pair Marcus Ellis and Lauren SmithWith 100 days to go to the Tokyo Olympics it's a return of two of Destination Tokyo's regular contributors. So who are Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith? They're GB's top ranked mixed double badminton pair.
Marcus Ellis made his Olympic debut in Rio in 2016 and won a surprise bronze medal in badminton's mens doubles. Lauren Smith also made it to her first Games at the same time. The pair talk about what it means to be an Olympian and to stand on the podium.
Marcus and Lauren are very close to sealing their spot in the mixed doubles - which will...2021-04-1411 minDestination Tokyo100 days to go(spending 6 days locked down in a hotel room) - Adam Dixon, GB HockeyGB Hockey Captain Adam Dixon talks from Malaysia where he's in a very strict lockdown. His hotel room door opens three times a day - for the delivery of breakfast, lunch and dinner. But it's the key to 2 weeks training in heat and humidity and a rare chance to play international competition.
Adam talks about 100 days to go to the Tokyo Olympics and what the milestone means to him. Adam is also one of Team GB's newest dads, and he talks about his first big tour away from his baby son and wife.
If you'd like to make a small...2021-04-1212 minDestination TokyoAir travel with a pole vault - British Champion Holly BradshawThis episode includes part of an interview between Holly Bradshaw and Paralympian Richard Whitehead that I sat in on for the Track and Ball Podcast. Here are details of that full podcast.
You can find it here on Youtube https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FsUwEl6gE8YU&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cba83159aaa6a4741a6d808d8fc33fe6d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637536647523567798%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=0b5efZ0%2BpkSDNGm6Uz7yZ8WvN2xOzoGKtmWFZlMIyTQ%3D&reserved=0 (https://youtu.be...2021-04-1208 minDestination TokyoIt's like hitting concrete - Liam Heath and Adam Burgess talk Olympic CanoeingThis is an excerpt from British Canoeing's Paddlers' Podcast which you can find here
https://pod.fo/e/c2513
It's presented by Etienne Stott who won gold at the London Olympics in 2012. His guests are
Liam Heath, who won gold and silver in canoe sprint in Rio.
And Adam Burgess who's qualified for Tokyo this summer in the canoe slalom.
They talk stroke rates, waves and life outside of sport.
If you'd like to contact me you'll find me at
markshardlow@icloud.com or @markshardlow on social media
Support this podcast2021-04-0808 minDestination TokyoJudge these games on the human spirit - Paralympic sprinter Richard WhiteheadRichard Whitehead is a double leg amputee sprinter who won gold and silver at the Rio Paralympics and a memorable gold in London in 2012. He's also worked across the world with humanitarian charities.
He talks about the tough year athletes have had during the last 12 months, both physically and mentally. And how many of his competitors across the world have suffered through lockdown, not having access to facilities and tracks.
Richard argues that the 2021 Paralympics is more about the human spirit than the results and that the movement and athletes have changed during Covid.
He hopes to be at the...2021-04-0710 minDestination TokyoWorking part-time to keep her grounded - Steph Davis marathon runnerOur first pod after Easter captures the remarkable story of Steph Davis. Less than two years ago Steph Davis was starting with the masses at the London Marathon. But last month she looked comfortable winning the Olympic trial. She also has a part-time job in finance. So what's the secret?
If you're enjoying the podcasts and want to make a small donation to Maggie's Cancer Charity - you can find details here...
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo
Support this podcast2021-04-0609 minDestination TokyoCoping with uncertainty, dealing with illness, life in the bubble and diet - highlights from the last three monthsA chance to reflect on the last three months of the podcast as I head towards an Easter break. I've gone back to January to listen back and learn again.
Shona McCallin gave some excellent thoughts on dealing with uncertainty. The hockey gold medal winner from Rio has had her fair share of injuries and many of the things she talked about are relevant for us as we deal with the restrictions of Covid times.
Charlotte Henshaw talks openly about her endometriosis diagnosis. The paracanoeist has dealt with the pain for many years.
Badminton pair Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith...2021-03-3011 minDestination TokyoDeciding where to race... A conundrum for Olympian Dai GreeneFormer world champion high hurdler Dai Greene talks us through the difference of being a funded and non-funded athlete. Injuries in the last few years have meant Dai has to pay most of his own way. So when it comes to massages, physio etc he has to be more self-sufficient.
The other issue at the moment is whether to race in Europe or not. Many athletes who went to the European Indoor Championships had to self-isolate on return after someone on the flight caught Covid-19. As Tokyo approaches no athlete can afford repeated self-isolations.
And it's tradition we talk pizza...2021-03-2811 minDestination TokyoMarathon running at 40 and almost exercising himself to death - Nick SamuelsNick Samuels is the endurance athlete who almost ran himself to death. He's also an old friend of the remarkable winner of today's(26th March)Olympic Trials for the marathon, Chris Thompson.
Chris booked his place for Tokyo at the age of 39 four days after becoming a father. Nick lived with Chris in Halls of Residence at Loughborough many years ago and pays tributes to coming through the tough times to get to his second Olympic Games.
Nick talks about improvements with age in endurance sport.
We then talk about Nick's story. He's a Former world and European Duathlon Champion...2021-03-2611 minDestination TokyoVisualisation and a unique fitness app - powerlifter Ali Jawad prepares for a rare competitionHere's the latest from Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad who's aiming for Tokyo this summer. He's doing so against the odds. He's suffered badly from his Crohn's Disease since winning a medal in Rio in 2016 and has struggled to be the same athlete.
Ali's not competed for 18 months and he's preparing to compete at Manchester in a World Cup.
Ali talks about his mental preparation and how he visualises successes and failures.
He also talks about work developing his special app - AccesserCise for fitness for the disabled community.
Support this podcast2021-03-2511 minDestination TokyoGaming, elections and tunes whilst you're swimming - GB's marathon swimmer Alice DearingAlice Dearing is hoping to head to Tokyo as part of Team GB in marathon swimming. She's just back from her first competition for 13 months in Doha.
Alice talks about the sport and that there are only few races a year in normal times. And whilst it all felt very alien she was really happy with her 12th place, just 7 seconds behind the winner. Alice also reveals the two songs she sang during her 2 hours in the water.
But there's been another blow. Someone on the flight home tested positive for Covid and Alice is having to self-isolate. However Alice...2021-03-2411 minDestination TokyoWhen the marathon is a sprint - ultra distance runner Tom Evans aims to qualify for the OlympicsWho is Tom Evans?
Tom Evans was a captain in the army until two years ago. Now he's looking to represent GB at the Olympics in an event he's only competed in once before. His background his ultra marathons and he made a massive impact when he became the best ever European finisher in the legendary 6 day desert race, the Marathon des Sables.
Can Tom Evans represent GB at the marathon in Tokyo?
This Friday Tom tries to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in what will be only his second ever marathon. He's really, really excited at the prospect and...2021-03-2312 minDestination TokyoDouble Olympic champion triathlete - Alistair BrownleeToday it's Alistair Brownlee - twice Olympic gold medal winner in the triathlon who's going for a hat-trick in Tokyo.
This is part of an interview Alistair gave to Track and Ball Podcast with footballer Ellen White and Paralympian Richard Whitehead, which I work on.
Alistair talks about juggling training and studying and the importance of having things away from sport to think about.
He also talks about optimising his performance by understanding and studying how his body works. He's also written a book, coming out in June, on this subject. Look out for
You can find the whole interview...2021-03-2211 minDestination TokyoDecking the office as a homage to the Games and an award for his coverage - BBC Sport's Nick HopeSharing his love of the Olympics and Paralympics is the BBC's Nick Hope. THis week Nick won an award from the Sports Journalist Association for his work. And we talk about some of the key stories he's covered this year.
However, I was sidetracked when I saw his office! It is covered in memorabilia from Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. And it's great top hear Nick talk about his collections.
Nick talks about two stories in particular. The 'topless Tongan' Pita Taufatofua, the taekwondo fighter turned cross-country skier in a country that never sees snow. And Michael Gunning, who describes...2021-03-1911 minDestination TokyoBecoming a children's author - para-triathlete Claire CashmoreHere's a Paralympian who's written a book in lockdown. Claire Cashmore has written a children's book. It's called Splash and you can pre-order here.
https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/splash/claire-cashmore/sharon-davey/paperback/9780755502851.html?utm_campaign=eq_whs&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=awin&awc=3017_1616013355_7d59b84afa44ea609e3d9ee885c79f28
Claire was motivated by a lack of representation of people with a disability in children's books and the media. Urged on by her sister, she wrote a book which tells the story of her young fear of water and swimming - a fear that was...2021-03-1813 minDestination TokyoPulling strange faces and throwing shapes with a rope - unique training with Patrick Huston, GB ArcherThis is fascinating. Some fairly simple exercises we can all do at home - talked through by GB Olympic archer Patrick Huston.
He spends ten minutes pulling faces. And shows artistry and flexibility with his rope flow technique. You can see what Patrick's up to here. And in the podcast he gives me the science behind them. I'm definitely going to have a go!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7yg1cI6ATHPNb_A31Raq0Q
Patrick also talks about last week's training camp at St George's Park, the FA's training centre. And preparations towards the selection event at the...2021-03-1712 minDestination TokyoResilience, sweaty stumps and off to business school - Stef ReidStef Reid is aiming for a third Paralympics for GB in the Long Jump.
She tells us about the issues facing amputees in the extremes of weather - the cold British winter and hot humid conditions of Tokyo.
She also reveals on the podcast that she's been accepted for a prestigious further education course. Stef talks about resilience and how that's tested with the niggles and injuries of daily life
Stef is planning life after sport. And we chat about the things she's done about that in the past, including auditioning to be a weather forecaster.
Support this podcast2021-03-1611 minDestination TokyoBubbles, badminton and brownies - Lauren Smith and Marcus EllisIt's bubble time again for badminton's best. This time it's at the 'Wimbledon' of badminton - the All England in Birmingham.
Lauren and Marcus talk us through their latest bubble - they can't go outside, but they can order take-aways. So what's their delivery of choice?
As for the tournament, Lauren and Marcus find themselves in the same part of the draw as two other British pairings, including Gabby and Chris Adcock. We discus rivalries.
And if you follow Lauren on instagram you'll see a love of brownies (check out @laurensmith). Lauren believes any food in moderation is ok and...2021-03-1512 minDestination TokyoFrom a life-changing virus to Paralympic gold - Emma WiggsEmma Wiggs is part of the paracanoe team training for the Tokyo Olympics. This is an excerpt from a video Emma and I made for British Canoeing this week. You can see the whole video on British Canoeing's Facebook page https://fb.watch/4akkfKtV2H/
Emma talks about her journey to the Gold medal in Rio which began when a mystery virus left her paralysed overnight as a teenager.
She trained as a PE Teacher and eventually got involved with paralympic sport....starting with sitting volleyball at London 2012.
It's a really inspiring talk and Emma is a very gifted speaker.
...2021-03-1108 minDestination TokyoLife in the heat chamber - George PeasegoodSummer in Tokyo will be hot and humid and a challenge for athletes competing outdoors - especially in endurance events.
We met George Peasegood in Episode 22 and it's definitely worth listening to his inspiring story here:
https://destination-tokyo.captivate.fm/episode/the-unassuming-and-inspirational-paralympian
And this is the latest on George's Tokyo journey. He and the squad have been in the heat chamber to try to experience what conditions will be like this summer in Japan.
George is also getting ready to compete in a virtual event next week - find out details by following him @george_peasegood
I'm raising money for...2021-03-1110 minDestination TokyoNo surrender - the remarkable comeback of sprinter James EllingtonJames Ellington competed in London and Rio. But the sprinter's career came to a shuddering halt in 2017 when he was involved in a motor bike accident whilst on a training camp in Tenerife.
He talks from his base in Dubai about the mindset and determination he has shown to rebuild a career after doctors questioned whether he'd walk again.
He returned to the track in 2019 at the Anniversary Games in London. And even then he had to deal with an allergic reaction to a sting just before the event and a slip at home.
This extract is taken from Track...2021-03-1009 minDestination TokyoSelf-doubt, esteem and never giving up - Laura Gallagher GB Trampoline GymnastTrampoline gymnastics is one of the sports that I love to watch. We don't get to see it much until the Olympics comes round. And it's one of those sports that we all become 'experts' for a few days.
Laura Gallagher is one of Britain's best. But she has had a long battle with injury and self-doubt.
Laura talks about how she no longer lets Trampoline Gymnastics define her. She's always struggled with confidence and self-esteem and describes how difficult that is in the world of elite sport.
She has been super successful but has had lows too that have...2021-03-0911 minDestination TokyoBreaking down barriers - Hockey gold medal winner Shona McCallin presents an International Women's Day specialFor today GB Hockey player and gold medal winner Shona McCallin presents....and she's invited along her squad colleague Emily Defroand.
Shona chose Emily because she's unique because of all the work she does off the pitch.
Emily supports the Fliers project which gives hockey opportunities for those who have a disability. She also helps Spencer Lynx Hockey which helps young people in disadvantaged parts of East London have access to hockey, breaking down the barriers to playing.
When it comes to equality - both Shona and Emily feel IWD is important to highly the issues facing girls and women...2021-03-0809 minDestination TokyoMental health struggles which have left their scars - double gold medal winner Libby CleggHere's an optimistic Libby Clegg who's on track to make her 4th successive Paralympics as a sprinter. It's fair to say she's had a hectic and difficult 5 years since winning double gold in Rio in 2016.
She talks about her mental health struggles after those Games which led to a year off the track. Libby still believes it's left its mark and is not as confident or as happy as she was in 2016.
She's barely competed since Rio. She had a year off in 2017 with her mental health issues. Her guide runners got injured in 2018 so couldn't compete; And then she...2021-03-0412 minDestination TokyoMoving to Canada and reflections on a London gold - Tim BaillieToday we're in British Columbia in Canada with Tim Baillie, gold medal winner in the Canoe Slalom C2 in London 2012.
Canada has had some tough restrictions during Covid but life for Tim has become more relaxed in recent months with schools returning. It's a very outdoor life and even the nearby ski slopes have remained open.
Tim reflects on 2012 and the challenges of life after a gold medal. In many ways, it did not bring the opportunities some people suggested it would. But the medal moment is still a massive part of Tim's life. And then there's the story of...2021-03-0311 minDestination Tokyo"It's just sport and controlling the pandemic is more important" - GB Gold medal winner and E.D Doctor, Tim BrabantsHe left the UK just in time to enjoy the freedoms of New Zealand during the pandemic. Tim Brabants is a doctor, specialising in Accident and Emergency, and a record-breaking canoeist.
Tim was GB's first ever gold medal winner in any canoe discipline when he came first in Beijing in Canoe Sprint.
He's now coaching with the Olympic Squad in NZ and although life is fairly normal over there - pubs, restaurants, shops are all open with limited changes - there are downsides. Teams haven't been able to leave the country to travel to international events.
Tim takes a very...2021-03-0212 minDestination TokyoA whole lifetime build-up to one moment in time - why Australian Rob Woodhouse loves the GamesRob Woodhouse is steeped in the Olympics and Paralympics. he won a medal for Australia in the IM in the pool in Los Angeles in 1984. Since then, he's become an accomplished pundit for ABC Radio and RB as a regular at the Games. He's also represented some of Britain's great Olympians and Paralympians as their agent. Becky Adlington, Chris Hoy, Adam Peaty and Richard Whitehouse. And his niece and nephew are both Olympians too!
Rob spoke to me from Melbourne, Australia, to tell me about life with Covid on the other side of the world and its affect on elite...2021-03-0110 minDestination TokyoMental struggles and a hat-trick hero - Adam Gemili and Ellen WhiteShe scored a hat-trick for England in midweek - Ellen White talks about playing international football again. Covid has meant no England games for a year - but Ellen has a big smile on her face this week. And a souvenir ball for her trophy cabinet.
Ellen speaks about the Olympic preparations - and what she's doing to earn selection.
Ellen also co presents the Track and Ball podcast with Paralympian Richard Whitehead and she talks about their latest guest - Team GB sprinter Adam Gemili....who talks about his early career playing football, mixing it with Usain Bolt, London 2012...2021-02-2610 minDestination TokyoExperience of changing jobs mid-career - Charlotte HenshawShe won swimming medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016. But in Tokyo she'll be in a canoe and aiming for her first Paralympic gold medal.
Charlotte Henshaw has had a phenomenal time since switching sports. She talks us through the process and what she's learnt along the way.
Charlotte also talks about the qualification event for this summer.
You can find Charlotte at @chenshawgb
And if you'd like to make a small donation to my chosen charity you can find details here
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo
Support this podcast2021-02-2511 minDestination TokyoRemote training and technology in athletics - Dan GreavesDan Greaves has competed and won medals at 5 Paralympic Games - with his debut in Sydney in 2000.
The delay to the Tokyo Games has helped "Discus Dan" who has recovered from a career threatening injury he picked up in 2019.
Dan's coach is in Dubai and his coaching sessions are via an ipad. He's used to it. His previous coach was based in Arizona.
We also talk about Dan's role on the Athlete's Commission and his thoughts on the new 'super shoes' which have helped some very fast times in recent weeks.
Dan's now a dad of 2 but in great shape
...2021-02-2411 minDestination TokyoLeaving lockdown - Shona McCallinWe recorded this podcast just as the Prime Minister announced the easing of lockdown in England. And for Shona McCallin that means many things, including a return to coaching her local hockey team in Maidenhead.
Shona talks about why she chose to coach whilst being on the GB squad and what she's learning.
We also talk about the run up to Tokyo and the need for acclimatisation.
If you'd like to leave me a small tip for producing these podcasts - all money I raise is going to Maggie's Cancer Centres. Here are the details and why I've chosen Maggie's.
...2021-02-2310 minDestination TokyoOlympic Heartbreak - boxer Sandy RyanIt's been a tough few days for GB boxer Sandy Ryan. She's spent 9 years hoping to make an Olympic Games. But her hopes of making it to Tokyo are over after her Qualifying event was cancelled because of Covid.
Sandy's struggled with a shoulder injury but she's recovering well and was hoping this was going to be her year. The Commonwealth Games gold medal winner describes the pain of missing out.
Best wishes Sandy!
I'm making these podcasts to help raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. To read my story and to donate please go to
https://www.justgiving.com...2021-02-2207 minDestination TokyoHard work, dedication and resilience - Sir Chris HoyAn Olympic great, Sir Chris Hoy, is on our throwback Friday. It's an excerpt from a much longer interview given to the Track and Ball Podcast.(A brilliant podcast series, by the way, more details further down).
Sir Chris talks about the 2004 games in Athens and how a conversation with the sports psychologist Dr Steve Peters changed his mindset.
Sir Chris is now an author too and his latest book is Be Amazing. He says many athletes doubt themselves. And he shares the techniques and need for hard work that led to his successes.
You can follow Track and Ball...2021-02-1908 minDestination TokyoLeadership and self-analysis with Adam Dixon, GB Hockey captainThis episode explores captaincy and leadership with Adam Dixon, skipper of the GB Hockey team.
Adam's held this position since February 2019 and gives me the inside track on how the hockey squad operates.
One of his big challenges has been keeping the group together over the last year over lockdown. He also talks about a more open and honest approach. This time last year, the squad were under performing and they see this summer as a second chance.
He and the leadership team have spoken to former England cricket captain, Andrew Strauss and rugby's Dylan Hartley to try to learn...2021-02-1810 minDestination TokyoHow to do a mental rehearsal with GB archer Patrick HustonPatrick Huston talks us through his mental rehearsals - the way he visualises his performances. It's all part of his preparation in the build up to the qualification events for Tokyo.
It's about visualising success and Patrick spends up to an hour and a half a day doing this. And he gets a notification every 2 hours with a positive reminder to reinforce the message.
It's a glimpse into a sport many of us aren't familiar with. And Patrick is a great salesman for archery.
You can follow Destination Tokyo on twitter @desttokyo
And here's details of how to make a...2021-02-1710 minDestination TokyoBoard games and a lack of competition - Dai GreeneFormer World Champion hurdler Dai Greene articulates the frustration at trying to find competition just 5 months out from the Tokyo Olympics.
Covid had devastated the indoor season and Dai is disappointed that more hasn't been done to help elite athletes.
He's not competed since last July and whilst he understands that travelling around is very difficult at this time, it is a set back.
Dai's also reveals board games have been a big part of his lockdown and has some recommendations!
You can follow Dai on social media @daigreene
If you'd like to donate to my chosen charity Maggie's Cancer...2021-02-1611 minDestination TokyoBack to competition at last - Alice Dearing, GB swimmerAt last! Competition in the UK. And marathon swimmer Alice Dearing was back in the pool for the first time in 11 months.
Alice normally competes in open water - but grabbed this opportunity as British Swimming put on a competitive meeting in Manchester.
She talks about how she loved the event and describes how it worked....and hopefully paves the way for more competitions and a return to recreational pools being opened.
Thanks for listening. You can find Alice on social media @alicedearingx
I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres through these podcasts - you can find out more and...2021-02-1511 minDestination TokyoValues and mindset after injury and illness - Emma WiggsSome great thoughts to ponder on in this episode with GB Paralympic gold medal winner Emma Wiggs.
For starters, we talk about the resignation of the head of the Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee, Yoshiro Mori, for making inappropriate remarks about women. We move on to discus the role of the Paralympics in breaking down barriers.
And there's Emma's journey to Tokyo - which took a big bump with a wrist injury in the gym. It was potentially career ending and Emma struggled with her mental and physical health.
Thanks to Emma for a great chat. You can follow her on...2021-02-1211 minDestination TokyoDo elite athletes eat chocolate?Olympian Ellen White has become the all-time top goalscorer in the WSL this week. She's also been named in the England squad once more for the next international.
Paralympian Richard Whitehead is back from warm weather training with Tokyo in his sights.
The pair present their own podcast, Track and Ball, and they've been taking questions from schools in the last two episodes in the form of q and a's. And here are two entertaining snippets.
Firstly - do elite athletes each chocolate? And what chocolate do they like?
And then there's the uncertainty around Tokyo. How are they coping...2021-02-1110 minDestination TokyoThe unassuming and inspirational ParalympianGeorge Peasegood has a very powerful story. But he doesn't always realise it. That's because he loves what he does.
George is one of the world's best para-triathletes and hopes to be heading to Tokyo. He was just 2 1/2 when his left leg got trapped under a ride-on lawn mower.
His leg was saved, but as a teenager he needed nine months of operations to correct differences in leg growth.
Throughout all of this, sport has been a great motivator. And with his active family's encouragement, he ended up in triathlon. George will be keeping us posted throughout the year on...2021-02-1010 minDestination TokyoMotivation in tough conditionsHere's an expert's way of keeping motivated to exercise when conditions are not great outside....
Martyn Rooney is one of the most experienced members of Team GB's athletics squad - with an Olympic medal to his name.
But his tip might hurt. He suggests finding an exercise you really don't like and do that. Martyn's a great believer in hard work. And talks a lot of sense.
Martyn's not only a guest but a great podcast host. You can catch him with Paralympian Dan Greaves on that Greaves and Rooney Sports Podcast...here's the link https://podfollow.com/1458149570
I'm raising...2021-02-0908 minDestination TokyoLessons in time management from a marathon runnerHe runs marathons; spends hours training. And has a full-time job in teaching.
Kevin Seaward is hoping to be with Team Ireland in Japan this summer. He is an Olympian from Rio and finished 4th in the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
But aside from the miles training on the road, he's also part of the leadership team at Beauchamp College, a large school in Leicestershire. And he loves having two jobs.
I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - which provide emotional and practical support for cancer patients and have been amazing to my family. If you can spare £2-3 please m...2021-02-0810 minDestination TokyoHow Games Time life might look and disabled people struggling to get access to sport in a pandemicNo trips to bars, restaurants and sights. No travel on public transport without permission. Restrictions at venues. The details are coming out which'll shape how athletes, the media and officials must behave in Tokyo during the Games.
The guest today is Andy Stevenson, who works on the Games for Channel 4 and BBC Radio Sport. Andy is a Paralympic specialist and has some harsh words too after hearing about a dramatic drop in the number of disabled people exercising in the UK in the last year. The report is from the Activity Alliance. And Andy has some pretty frank views...2021-02-0511 minDestination TokyoYour choice: Drugs cheat or clean athleteAli Jawad was 15 when he was asked if he'd become a drugs cheat or be a clean athlete. The question came from his coach, who was making a very powerful point. And since then the Paralympic Powerlifter has championed clean sport.
Ali's finally got some competition. Lockdown and his recovery from Crohn's Disease has left him with so few opportunities over the last 5 years. But he's preparing for a qualification tournament next month.
These podcasts are released Monday to Friday. If you'd like to leave me a small 'tip' as an appreciation - I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres.
...2021-02-0409 minDestination TokyoA month in a bubble - how it feels to compete in the Covid worldA really honest account of what it's like living and competing in a bubble for a month.
GB's top ranked mixed doubles pair of Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith talk about their time in Bangkok. And lessons they've learnt from their experience. And lessons we might all benefit from too.
Marcus says he found it very hard to focus on his badminton and maintain his hunger after being forced to stay in his room for up to 23 hours a day. He appreciates they were privileged to travel and play - but learn a lot about how he needs to adjust...2021-02-0310 minDestination Tokyo"I was scared I wouldn't be the same again" - the rower who had Long CovidHere's one of the few athletes who've had to endure Long Covid. Jonny Walton contracted the Corona Virus last Spring - and it's after effects were "scary" as Jonny struggled to return to fitness.
Thankfully Jonny is back to fitness and this year he and his British Rowing colleagues had to ditch their warm-weather training. Instead, they've had a camp at the hub of England Football, St George's Park.
And Jonny has another unusual sideline. He and his partner make fruit gins.
If you'd like to make a donation to my chosen charity - Maggie's Cancer Centres - then here's...2021-02-0210 minDestination TokyoTeam GB's newest dad - Hockey Captain Adam DixonThere are set to be three new dads in Team GB's hockey squad for Tokyo. And that's a rarity.
Adam Dixon is Team GB's newest dad, becoming a father in late January. The England and GB Hockey captain talks about the life-changing moment and what it means for his sporting day job.
The delay to the Olympics means there'll be three fathers training for GB Hockey, which is certainly out of the ordinary.
And Adam hasn't let lockdown stop his life. When the Olympics were cancelled in 2020 he brought forward his wedding.
But it's back to business today as he...2021-02-0111 minDestination TokyoHow does a mum of 3 tiny children return to elite training?Sal Montgomery has a special place in Helen Glover's life. She saved her husband from drowning. And Sal gives a unique insight into how Helen returned to the GB Rowing Squad having had 3 children in the last 3 years.
Sal is an extreme canoeist and adventurer and accompanied Helen's husband, Steve Backshall, on a TV trip to a remote part of Bhutan. She talks about the terrifying moment. But also in glowing terms about how Helen manages family life alongside a return to elite sport. Sal spent the summer with the family as Helen began her training on the river.
I've...2021-01-2911 minDestination TokyoParenthood - Tom Daley and Helen GloverHow do you balance athlete life and being a parent. Today double gold medal winner Helen Glover announced her intention to compete in Tokyo. We hear briefly from her performance director - with more to come tomorrow.
Diver Tom Daley talks about being a dad and how that's changed his approach to sport.
And BBC Sport's Nick Hope brings news of the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic stars.
With thanks to Track and Ball podcast https://podfollow.com/1528282730
Here's Nick's articles
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/boxing/55775887
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rowing/55760658
https://www.facebook...2021-01-2810 minDestination TokyoLearning from injury and borrowing dogs - Shona McCallinShona shares her coping mechanisms and how she's turned to dogs to help her through injury and lockdown.
She was a consistent member of the GB hockey team which won an historic gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Shona has just returned from 147 days out with an ankle injury. It's the latest setback for her. But Shona has learnt a lot about the mental strength needed in tough times and that has helped her through Covid.
Shona is always an insightful guest with a lovely sense of humour and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I'm raising money for the...2021-01-2710 minDestination TokyoStef Reid on athletes and food plus preparing for TokyoAthletes and their food; And football and the Olympics. Two guests today. Stef Reid, medal winning Paralympic Long Jumper. And Ellen White, footballing Olympian from London 2012.
Stef talks about food. She was a finalist on Celebrity Master Chef and loves her time in the kitchen. She's got some great advice for those of us who've looked at exercise and diet in January.
Stef talks about the challenges preparing for Tokyo and a few wise words about ignoring all the speculation about the Games.
It's the second part of the interview with Ellen White. She takes us back to London 2012 and...2021-01-2611 minDestination TokyoCharlotte Henshaw - female athlete healthCharlotte Henshaw is a medal favourite in her 'new' sport of paracanoe after competing at 3 Paralympics in GB's swimming team.
But she's recently had surgery and had a diagnosis of endometriosis. So we talk about female athlete health and how the condition has affected her.
We also discus mental health during these Covid times and Charlotte explains how she deals with the uncertainty over the Games and how she used similar method to deal with her anxiety watching the news in the early days of the pandemic.
If you enjoyed the podcast and would donate to Maggie's Cancer Centres please...2021-01-2514 minDestination TokyoEllen White and Luke GreenbankAmidst the uncertainty, the athletes carry on, hoping Tokyo goes ahead this summer.
There's been more uncertainty for GB football. Phil Neville, likely manager in Tokyo has moved to the US. Ellen White is an Olympian from 2012 but also played for Neville whilst top scoring at the 2019 World Cup. She tells me why he was such a good manager and coach.
There are similar themes from Luke Greenbank when talking about his coach Mel Marshall. It's great to see Luke pre-selected for the swimming squad for Tokyo. The official announcement coming this week.
Destination Tokyo is a ten minute topical...2021-01-2212 minDestination TokyoPatrick Huston - GB Archer on testing positive for CovidToday is a lively chat with Olympian Patrick Huston, who competed for Team GB at the Archery in Rio.
I first met Patrick at the European Championships in Nottingham five years ago and he always has something interesting to say.
He revealed he had a positive Covid test a couple of weeks ago and talks about how he's been training whilst in self isolation.
Patrick has lots of views on the mental side of sport preparation and he talks through how he's dealing with uncertainty.
No Episode on Thursday this week - but back soon. If you'd like to donate...2021-01-2010 minDestination TokyoRichard Whitehead's warm weather training campToday's guest is one of Britain's Paralympic stars - Richard Whitehead. His gold medal moment at London 2012 was one of the highlights of the Games. He repeated this at Rio in 2016 but at 44 he will need to be at his very best to make it a hat-trick.
Richard's currently in South Africa and talks about why athletes are going overseas - despite the pandemic and the steps he's taking to be secure.
We'll hear about his gruelling training plan and what it's going to achieve. And why he's gone into podcast hosting.
If you'd like to make a donation to...2021-01-1910 minDestination TokyoAli Jawad on vaccination hopes to help his Tokyo preparationToday's guest in this ten minute podcast is Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad who's hoping a Covid vaccination will help his Tokyo preparations enormously.
Ali has Crohn's Disease which makes him clinically extremely vulnerable.
He's competed in three Games, including a silver in Rio. The last four years have been incredibly challenging and it's touch and go if he makes Tokyo. His body has suffered with his bouts of illness but is determined not to give in. Getting to the Games will be an achievement.
Even before lockdown he had to self-isolate because of the severity of his illness. So his...2021-01-1809 minDestination TokyoA classic Olympic moment with Donna Fraser OBEI've a lovely guest to finish the week. It's Donna Fraser who has just been awarded an OBE in the New Year.
Donna's making a big contribution to UK Athletics as its lead in Equality, Diversity and Engagement. She is full of enthusiasm and warmth and brings a lifetime of competitive experience.
So it's interesting to hear her views on the disruption to training schedules and uncertainty around the Games. She also brings a wealth of knowledge about racing. And we relive the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and the 400m final, won by Donna's training partner and Australian idol Cathy...2021-01-1512 minDestination TokyoShooting from the en-suite bathroomSo there are 7 guests packed into just over ten minutes of this daily podcast! I love it when the Olympic and Paralympic teams are announced and the athletes can mark the moment.
These are the first announcements of 2021 and of course they come at a time of great uncertainty.
There's some great chat here about how the shooters have adapted and coped during lockdown. I especially love the story of Ryan Cockbill's garden not being long enough - so he has to sit in his en-suite bathroom to fire his shots on the electric target.
So many of this squad...2021-01-1411 minDestination TokyoAlice Dearing and Dai GreeneI've got two great guest today. Alice Dearing is aiming to be the first black woman to represent Team GB in swimming.
With so much speculation about the Games this summer, Alice tells me she's of the mindset that there will be an Olympics. She feels it's so important to keep focused on the goal and not to slacken off.
Alice is an open water swimmer, but barely trains here in the UK. So for her, it's pool based training and competition.
She tells me that she found it quite emotionally difficult last year when the Games were cancelled as...2021-01-1312 minDestination TokyoLockdown in a hotel roomThree great guests today. From Bangkok there's badminton's Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith and here in the UK Andy Stevenson, from the Paralympic Podcast 'A Winning Mindset'.
Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith were both part of Team GB at the Rio Olympics. Marcus and his men's doubles partner, Chris Langridge, won bronze.
Marcus and Lauren are in Bangkok this month with a rare chance to play competitive badminton. There are three major tournaments in three weeks. But competing comes at a price. They have to stay in their hotel room - apart from when they're training or playing matches. But...2021-01-1214 minDestination TokyoMartyn Rooney in DubaiWelcome to the first edition of Destination Tokyo - these are ten minute daily podcasts looking ahead to the Olympics and Paralympics.
The first of our regular contributors is Martyn Rooney who's got on his first plane for almost a year! Martyn, an Olympian over 400m on the track, has headed to Dubai for some warm weather training.
He talks to me about this being a bonus year - he'd planned to retire last summer. But has found a year off has rejuvenated him.
We're also joined by BBC Olympic Reporter Nick Hope to talk about the prospects for Tokyo 2021...2021-01-1010 min