Before The Medals - The Podcast

What can you say about Becky Adlington? An incredible inspiration that shot to fame in the Beijing Olympics 2008 winning double Gold in the 400m and 800m, breaking a 19 year old World Record in the latter event. Becky tells us how hard she worked and the determination she had to succeed - whilst always managing to keep her feet on the ground. I think Becky is an inspiration to us all. We talk importance of finding the right coach, how amazing her family are and the support they gave her and why its not always a bad thing to have a good burger! Thank you for the support in our first series. We hope we have helped inspire the next generation. Rich

Karl's story is one you don't want to miss out on. He shows that you don't need to be a superstar at 15 years old to make it at the elite level. Karl played rugby at School but nothing serious and actually played football whilst at University in Coventry. It was when doing his PGCE in Bedford that he picked up a Rugby Ball again purely to keep fit whilst studying. Joining the lowest team he quickly worked his way up to the first team where he was spotted by Harlequins and moved into Professional Rugby. Since our chat Karl has hung up his playing boots but kept them nice and clean ready for his new career as a professional Rugby referee! We wish Karl all the very best in his future career. Listen to this incredible story, thank you. Rich Before The Medals

I was lucky enough to watch Rhys Williams' career close up as I was at Loughborough University with him. Rhys has recently finished his career as an athlete when he hung up his spikes in June this year - but what a career it has been. The Cardiff AAC athlete and son of rugby union's JJ Williams has achieved the feat of becoming European Champion at every level from U18 through to Senior, as well as picking up the full complement of European Senior medals; beginning with a bronze in 2006, silver in 2010, before becoming European Champion in 2012. He competed for Wales at two Commonwealth Games, finishing 4th in Melbourne, and before going one better and claiming the bronze medal in 2010. He competed for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, making the semi-final, with a semi-final place also achieved at the 2005 and 2013 World Championships. Not only has Rhys been a phenomenal athlete but also an incredible human being and I wish him all the very best for his life after the track. I hope you enjoy our chat, Richard Edmonds Before The Medals

Number 7 in our first season of Podcasts could only be my favourite number 7 of all time - Matt Le Tissier. I grew up watching incredible goal after incredible goal from this Southampton FC Legend. We talk about growing up on an Island and the importance of having older brothers to bring up his level. Listen to how Matt developed his talent through hard work and practise and then even more practise! Southampton FC fans nickname Matt 'Le God'. Watch his YouTube goals real now to find out why.. Find us on Twitter @beforethemedals or at www.beforethemedals.com

I met Alex whilst he was working hard to bounce back from injury. It is testament to his mindset and determination that he managed to get back so quickly and at the end of last season become a double European Cup Rugby Champion with his club side Saracens. Alex is a throwback to a different era of rugby. He is electric and with the ball in his hands you always get to the edge of your seat. Not focussing on just brute strength Alex uses his head and feet to create gaps no one else can see. He talks about the importance of playing lots of sports as a youngster and the inspirations he has had in his life. An incredibly positive, talented man who talks about the steps he has took to reach his level in Rugby. Enjoy! Rich, BeforeTheMedals.com

Louise Hazel is a fun, energetic and extremely successful athlete. She represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games and won Gold at the Commonwealth Games for England. Heptathlon is a crazy event where any weaknesses across Runs, Jumps and Throws will be exploited. So what does it take to succeed in the most all round of all round events?! I loved talking to Louise - her energy is infectious and her positivity and drive will inspire you too. www.beforethemedals.com

James Ward should not have been a professional tennis player and part of the winning British Davis Cup Tennis Team - the first time for decades. The son of a London Taxi Driver growing up in inner London - the opportunity to play tennis was almost non-existent. A chance introduction to the sport and an instant feel for a racquet followed. Fast forward to leaving his school, family and friends and taking up a chance to train at a top Spanish Tennis Academy and you start to see the dedication it takes to reach the top. I LOVED talking to James. He is living proof that no matter you circumstances starting out, wherever you live and whatever chances you have - will the will and determination to succeed you really can become a champion. www.beforethemedals.com

James Haskell is an incredibly driven and hard working professional Rugby Player for Wasps, England and most recently the British and Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand. James is a force for the good! I haven't spoken to a more positive, focussed and determined person. James tells us how hard work beats talent every time. Listen to his inspirational advice on Rugby and his mindset in general. If you want to learn truly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of sport listen to this Podcast. Thanks for listening. Richard Before the Medals www.beforethemedals.com

Gail Emms is an Olympic Mixed Pairs Doubles Silver Medallist for Team GB. She and her doubles partner Nathan Robertson picked up the heroic medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Gail is high-energy, determined and fun and I loved talking to her about her journey to success. She really does show us that you need to find the event that suits you best and the importance of building the right team around you. From playing in tin huts to the biggest stage of all - listen as Gail takes us on her incredible journey. Before the Medals concentrates on the journey and not the destination. We don’t focus on the moment they stood on the podium and got their medals – we focus on the times before the medals where our famous sportspeople started their craft and learnt both mentally and physically what it takes. We search for the patterns and best practises of these performers to help give young athletes the tools to succeed. www.beforethemedals.com

Mark Foster had a swimming career like no other.  Swimmers tend to peak at a young age and have a relatively short career.  I say tend because as in everything in life there are anomalies and Mark is certainly that.  He went to FIVE Olympic Games in his career (should of been 6 - another story for later on).  His longevity as a British Swimmer at the top level is unparalleled. This was rewarded in 2008 when he was rewarded by being the flag bearer for TEAM GB at the Beijing Olympic Games. Speaking to Mark was uplifting to say the least.  His energy is unparalleled and he is a truly inspirational man. His drive and commitment came out in various examples during the podcast. Enjoy our talk with Mark as we learn what it takes to become an elite sportsperson! Before the Medals concentrates on the journey and not the destination. We don’t focus on the moment they stood on the podium and got their medals – we focus on the times before the medals where our famous sportspeople started their craft and learnt both mentally and physically what it takes. We search for the patterns and best practises of these performers to help give young athletes the tools to succeed. www.beforethemedals.com