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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH - BRITISH GYMNASTICS STAR - HARRISON GREEN

Introducing GB Gymnast Harrison Green, age 17. 

Harrison is an inspirational young man, here's some of his recent achievements:

  • He has just competed in Portugal as part of the men’s GB senior squad (his first senior international comp) - finishing 12th in DMT in the Loule Cup.
  • Finished 3rd in the senior men’s DMT English Championships at the English Institute of Sport.
  • Has also been selected to represent GB at the World Championships in Russia in November, where he’ll compete as a junior. 

Anthony Aduhern, Photographer.

Photo credit, Anthony Aduhern.

We caught up with Harrison, to dig deep into the tactics, techniques and mindset of a verysuccessful youth elite gymnast. Hopefully, he will inspire many other young athletes to pursue their dreams of rising to the top.

YSN: How did you get into your first sport, and how old were you?

HG: I started trampolining after one of my friends recommended I came for a day camp to try it out! 

YSN: Did you have any key idols or role models that you looked up to and wanted to replicate, and if so, why?

HG: Louis Smith was one of my main role models I looked up to when I was younger! I also look up to Mikhail Zalomin who is a triple world champion on the DMT. 

YSN: How do you cater for your sports nutrition? What sort of meal plans/nutritional strategies did you utilise?

HG: My coaches usually advise me on what to eat, and my parents usually help by cooking healthy meals. 

YSN: Let downs and injury are a common feature of being a professional athlete, can you tell us how you motivate yourself and what keeps you going through major incidents or tough circumstances?

HG: I usually try and think about how much I enjoy the sport and how good I will feel if I work hard and achieve my goals!

YSN: What advice would you offer to youth athletes facing similar obstacles? What tools, tactics or strategies do you use to combat adversity? Any recommendations?

HG: I would say keep trying and don’t give up! Start every session with a clean slate and work hard!

Photographer, Anthony Aduhern.

Photo credit, Anthony Aduhern.

YSN: As a very successful youth athlete, how often do you train, and how has this changed depending on your sport?

HG: I usually train 15 hours a week, with my days off being Monday and Wednesday. 

YSN: How do you stay healthy? Any Nutrition Tips?

HG: I stay healthy by doing a lot of exercise and making sure I drink lots of water and get three good meals a day. 

YSN: What does it feel like to win competitions? Describe the emotion and senses involved during and afterwards.

HG: I feel really happy when I win/do well at competitions! I get quite excited and usually look for my parents in the crowd!

YSN: What are your future aspirations?

HG: I hope to compete at World and European Championships as a senior athlete and hopefully get a medal!

YSN: What is your favourite quote?

HG: “Everything you want is on the other side of fear” 

YSN: Who is your favourite athlete or sportsperson and why?

HG: My favourite sports person would have to be Simone Biles, she is just such an amazing gymnast!

YSN: What does your ‘internal chatter’ look/sound like in the run up to your event time? What strategies do you use to calm nerves and remain focused?

HG: I usually talk to myself and go through the coaching points my coach has given me, I try visualise the skills I’m doing in my head too!

YSN: What advice would you offer to Parents of youth athletes regarding their training, the pressure to perform (academic and sporting) and catering for nutrition? How can parents best support their training objectives?

HG: Be supportive and show interest in why we do it! Trying to cook and prepare healthy meals for your athletes will improve their performance!

YSN: Any tips for balancing training, academic studies, competitions/games and a social life?

HG: I try to fit my academic studies around my training as effectively as I can. Doing homework on the way to competitions and in breaks at training is a good idea.

YSN: What are your objective thoughts on Youth Sport Nutrition designing PROTEEN®, the first safe supplement for high level youth athletes to support their recovery post training/match?

I think sports supplements are good and can help athletes, but it is important that you read what ingredients are in them so you do not breach anti doping regulations!

Thanks Harrison! Keep up the good work.
#TeamYSN

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