That Greaves & Rooney Sports Podcast

Here's a great chat we did with Joel Fearon earlier in 2021. What a guy! There's so much in here to enjoy and be inspired by. On the track, he's one of the fastest-ever British sprinters, despite a lack of financial support. And he doubles up with competing in Bobsleigh. He and the GB crew finished 5th in the Sochi Winter Olympics, since upgraded to bronze because of the disqualification of the Russian crews because of doping violations. Joel talks about competing, mentoring, family and his love of country music. We hope you enjoy it! You can find us at @grspodcasr @discusdan @martynrooney

We're back with another pod and today it's a chat we had with Morgan Lake much earlier this year. Morgan is a high jumper and former heptathlete with plenty of insight into the life of an athlete. Morgan seems to have been around for ever but she's only 24. She talks about she deals with the pressure of doing so much, so young having made the Rio Olympics as a teenager. At those Games Morgan became the first British woman to reach an Olympic high jump final since 1992. Morgan tells us about the influences of her family, the importance of her training partners and Denise Lewis. And there's a good discussion about the pros and cons of social media. She also gives her thoughts on the state of athletics and what changes she'd like to see in the sport. Thanks for listening to the pod you can find us @discusdan @martynrooney @grspodcast And Morgan is @morganalexandralake

Dan and Martyn delve into the mind of serial winner, multiple Paralympic and World Champion Jonnie Peacock, he chats to the boys about handling pressure, meeting his idols and reaching for the stars on strictly. Recorded at the end of January 2021 *There is an issue with Martyn's mic, hence the overly deep tone! FOLLOW US: INSTAGRAM @grspodcast TWITTER @GRSPod @discusdan @martynrooney

Our guest this week is someone with Olympic, World and European medals. It's Emily Diamond. A team mate of Martyn's in the 4 x 400m relay. Emily talks about her early life as a junior tennis player and the hours of practice she put in. She was eventually talent spotted for athletics and moved sports in her teens. Emily talks about her career and her coaches who've helped her along the way to her medals. And how she now combines living in the South West at the weekends and in Loughborough during the week. There's a lot of takeaways from this podcast and a great discussion on the need for more research to help women athletes around the use of contraceptives and the menstrual cycle. She's a great guest. Please get in touch with us and tell us what you think @martynrooney @discusdan

Here's a great chat with 400m hurdles legend Dai Greene. Dai talks about motivation, his thoughts on Tokyo 2021 and great days on the track. There's a world-record story from his time serving fast food at MacDonalds, his recent entry into the business world with a hand-held massage gun, starting a mentorship scheme and currently firing up the oven twice a week for his partner's sourdough pizza business. However, as we hear from Dai, training for his event is physically demanding. And he tells us how he adapted during lockdown, learning lots about himself. Follow us @grspodcast on insta Dan Greaves @discusdan Martyn Rooney @martynrooney

Another great guest for Paralympian Dan Greaves and Olympian Martyn Rooney.  This time it's 6 times Paralympic gold medal winner and 8 times London marathon winner Dave Weir. Dave tells the guys he's in the best shape he's been for a long time and first the first time in ages he's really enjoying the sport again.  He talks honestly and openly about the mental challenges and depression he's faced, especially in recent years, and the counselling that he's had to get him back to this point. And there's plenty of competition talk - through the distances - the London Marathon and the Paralympics including London 2012      

Paralympian Dan Greaves and Olympian Martyn Rooney have a chat with experienced GB sprinter Danny Talbot.    Danny was part of the gold medal winning 4x100m team at the World Championships in London in 2017.  And we enjoyed this deep dive into his life and athletics career Danny Talbot was training in Texas before the Covid crisis but has returned to the UK to support his girlfriend, who's a nurse.  He's left the group for solo work during lockdown. He talks about his life in Texas, his love of neatness and preparing for competition.  It's an epic.  And a great listen.

Paralympian Dan Greaves and Olympian Martyn Rooney chat to former athlete and broadcaster Katharine Merry. The trio talk about how they're training coming out of lockdown and the impact it's had on the year. There are some great discussions.  From starting out early, to improving, to Kat's medal winning run at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.  And there's a discussion on drug testing and the situation around Christian Coleman. Kat also talks about the transition from athlete to broadcaster and how she coped with moving away from competing.

Paralympian Dan Greaves and Olympian Martyn Rooney chat athletics.  There's life under lockdown and their aims for the year without competition. There's training talk, parenting and thoughts on 2020 life, And the boys find out about lockdown around the world with  special guests, Christian Taylor, the double Olympic Triple Jump Champion from the USA.  High Performance Coach Benke Blumquist in Sweden.  And Ryan Gregson, the Australian 1500m record holder.  

Paralympian Dan Greaves and Olympian Martyn Rooney chat about life under lockdown along with some of their Team GB friends.  The guys reveal how they've adapted their training plans and how they've taken the loss of the Tokyo Games and all the other events.  With special guests Dai Greene, Lynsey Sharp, Jazmin Sawyers and Guy Learmonth.

Paralympian Dan Greaves and Olympian Martyn Rooney talk about the effects Covid-19 on their season in a podcast recorded before lockdown and the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Games Both Dan and Martyn were hoping to be in Tokyo this summer.  They talk about how to stay fit and plan your day during this crisis.

Paralympian Dan Greaves and Olympian Martyn Rooney talk about the Nike shoe controversy and their belief that most medal winners wear custom made footwear. Dan's back training after four months away through injury.  Martyn's just back from mixing it with the stars at winter camp in Stellenbosch.   The guys discus how they cope with long times away from their families. They're celebrating some great performances from British Athletes indoors.  And Martyn Rooney reveals he's going to make his indoor debut in a 600m in Ireland. They've got a few things to get off their chest.  From TV coverage of field events to the promotion of lesser known British Athletes.  And then there's bad driving and their frustration at some of changes being tried out in competition.

Dan Greaves and Martyn Rooney with their inside view of athletics including a freak and painful accident. The boys update us on how their training's going as they head towards a big Olympic and Paralympic summer in Tokyo. There's some reflection on the end of 2019 and the news that both Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson were shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. And they talk about Oddballs and testicular cancer Details at myoddballs.com

Paralympic discus thrower Dan Greaves and Olympic 400m runner Martyn Rooney dive deep into the issues at British Athletics and UK Athletics as the sport in Britain ends the year in some turmoil.  They give their views on the departures of Zara Hyde Peters who was due to become the Chief Executive at UK Athletics and Neil Black the UK Athletics Performance Director.   Dan and Martyn also talk about what athletes want from those working behind the scenes and how they can help performance. Dan gives details about his new role on the British Athletes Commission and what he and his colleagues aim to achieve. Martyn goes into the dispute with the British Olympic Association over sponsorship and gives the athletes take on the issues. And the boys also talk through the start of their winter training regime and the thinking behind their training plans.  Dan also explains the 60 for 60 challenge of 60 reps at 60kg on the bench. We'd love you to get in touch via social media @discusdan @martynrooney

Dan Greaves and Martyn Rooney return for more sports chat with an insight into the lives and training of professional athletes. The boys talk about their season - which ended with the World Championships in October and November.  A long season. Paralympic discus athlete Dan Greaves talks about the tough few months with injury which forced him out of the worlds.   And Olympian and 400m relay specialist Martyn Rooney gives us the inside track on the heat in the Middle East and the struggle to cope. Martyn describes the different type of temperature that affected the athletes - especially the Marathon and Race Walking.  And there are thoughts about what should happen at the Tokyo Olympics. There's also a discussion on the Mixed Relay and GB's approach to it.  And Martyn has a few controversial opinions to share, There's a review of the World Para Athletics Championships - with great performances from Sophie Hahn and Libby Clegg amongst others. If you have a moment, please leave a review for us.  We'd really appreciate it.  And if you want to get in touch you'll find us at   @discusdan @martynrooney  

It's a World Champs special!  Martyn Rooney takes us behind the scenes at the GB preparation camp in Dubai ahead of the 2019 World Athletics Championships. It's a unique look at an athletes preparation for a major event. Whilst Dan Greaves is back at home, his season over because of injury. Top sports chat from an Olympian and Paralympian @martynrooney @discusdan    

Some great sports chat here!  Dan and Martyn are joined by Australian 'soccer' captain Mile Jedinak, legend at Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. The bearded warrior talks Premier League, training plans, work ethic and leadership.  It's a great insight into what it takes to be a top professional footballer. A brilliant guest. If you want to get in touch, find us on social media @discusdan @martynrooney   Cheers!  Martyn Rooney and Dan Greaves  

Martyn and Dan welcome long jumper Jazmin Sawyers to the Pod.  She talks about her attitude to competition, revelations about her time on The Voice, singing, the twitter reaction to her hair cut, being on the bobsleigh team and training alongside Tyson Gay in Florida.  Then there's Olympics, athletics, sprinting and Pole Vault.  Amazing!  What a guest. If you want to get in touch with Martyn Rooney or Dan Greaves you'll find us on @martynrooney @discusdan      

Great stories and chat from the world of athletics with guest Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the GB 100m and relay sprinter.  Martyn, Dan and Harry go into coaching, expectations and social media as they meet in the restaurant at the new Elite Athletes Centre at Loughborough.  Got a question for a future pod - fire away and ask Martyn Rooney and Dan Greaves - Olympics, Paralympics, athletics, any sport @martynrooney @discusdan  

Martyn and Dan are joined by Alice the Cockapoo!  The guys talk about the other sports they played as kids and the influence it had on their career.  They discus women's sport and reveal their secrets to recovering from injury. "Discus Dan" Greaves has been on the podium at 5 Paralympic Games. Martyn Rooney is a 400m runner and relay specialist who's won medals at the Olympics and World and European Championships. Got a question?  Send them to @discusdan or @martynrooney    

Martyn and Dan reveal how they prepare for competition to make sure they're at the top of their game.  There are tips for athletes of all levels on how to reach your potential and conquer the fear of failure. Martyn Rooney is a 400m runner and relay specialist. He's won medals at Olympic, World and European Championships. "Discus" Dan Greaves has been on the podium at 5 Paralympic Games.  He's also a 3 times World Champion, 4 times European Champion and Commonwealth Games Champion. In this series of podcasts they look at sport from the inside. You can follow us on social media @MartynRooney @DiscusDan  

The boys give their take on the different stages of training - from diet and track-work to the gym.  Insider tips on taking training to another level and how the pro's make sure they're at the top of their game. Martyn Rooney is a 400m runner and relay specialist. He's won medals at Olympic, World and European Championships. "Discus" Dan Greaves has been on the podium at 5 Paralympic Games.  He's also a 3 times World Champion, 4 times European Champion and Commonwealth Games Champion. In this series of podcasts they look at sport from the inside. You can follow us on social media @MartynRooney @DiscusDan  

Room mates, disasters and life on camp.  Martyn Rooney and Dan Greats discus their experiences on warm weather training camps. They've both seen a few in their long and distinguished athletics careers.  Some have been top notch.  Others just a bit different! Martyn Rooney is a 400m runner and relay specialist. He's won medals at Olympic, World and European Championships. "Discus" Dan Greaves has been on the podium at 5 Paralympic Games.  He's also a 3 times World Champion, 4 times European Champion and Commonwealth Games Champion. In this series of podcasts they look at sport from the inside. You can follow us on social media @MartynRooney @DiscusDan  

We're two athletes with stories to tell of our long careers.  If you don't know us, then here's a bit about us. So one of us is Dan Greaves - better known in our world as Discus Dan - and that's because he throws the discus pretty far.  Far enough to win the Gold medal at the Athens Paralympics in the F44/46.  And silver at Sydney in 2000 and London in 2012.  And bronze in Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016.  He's three times World Champion, 4 times European Champion and once Commonwealth Champion.  And he's from Anstey in Leicestershire. And the other is Martyn Rooney.  Also known as Rooney.  He got a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in the 4x400m relay.  He's got a silver and two bronze in the World Championships in the relay.  And three golds, two silvers and a bronze in the European Championships in the relay and individual.  He's from Thornton Heath but now lives in Loughborough. This episode looks back to the London Olympics and the London Paralympics in 2012 - the biggest sporting event to be held in the UK in this millennium.   We talk about what it's like to walk out in front of 80,000 fans.  And how it feels when you run badly and that crowd goes quiet!  Dan reveals his idea to get the edge in the warm-up room.   More about Dan on discusdan.co.uk And follow us on social media @DiscusDan @MartynRooney