In the final episode of The Athlete Sitdown, host Jordan Rushworth reflects on the incredible journey the podcast has taken. Jordan revisits some of the most memorable moments, guests, and powerful stories shared throughout the series. From insightful conversations with world-class athletes to the lessons learned about perseverance, grit, and the mindset of champions, Jordan shares his biggest takeaways and the impact the podcast has had on the sports community. But as one chapter closes, another begins. Jordan reveals that The Athlete Sitdown is coming to an end—but it’s not goodbye. In exciting news, he announces the launch of Sport Endorse’s new podcast, Journeys, a fresh, dynamic series that promises to dive even deeper into the lives and careers of sports professionals. He teases why Journeys will be bigger and better, offering more in-depth stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and untold journeys of athletes from around the world. Tune in for one last sitdown with Jordan as he closes this chapter and sets the stage for an exciting new adventure.

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Yona Knight Wisdom, a three-time Olympic diver and the first Jamaican male diver to compete at the Olympics. Yona takes us through his remarkable journey in the diving world, starting from his early days when a diving club visited his school and sparked his interest in the sport.

Yona shares how his background in gymnastics provided a strong foundation for his diving career and how he joined a talent identification program that set him on the path to Olympic success. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced, particularly due to his size, and how he turned these challenges into unique advantages.
Representing Jamaica on the global stage brought Yona extraordinary experiences and opportunities, driven by his internal motivation and personal satisfaction. He opens up about his preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics, his personal goals, and his vision for the future of diving in Jamaica. Yona also touches on his plans to coach and develop the sport locally, aiming to create opportunities for the next generation of Jamaican divers.
Throughout the conversation, Yona emphasizes the importance of having a clear plan, patience, persistence, and maintaining a positive mindset. He also shares insights into his role models, his favorite movie, and a fun party trick.

Join host Jordan Rushworth as he explores Yona Knight Wisdom's incredible journey, highlighting his dedication to the sport, his commitment to inspiring young athletes, and his goal of leaving a lasting legacy in the world of diving. Yona’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Chris Bright, a Welsh international futsal player and the founder of the Diabetes Football Community (TDFC). Chris shares his incredible journey in the world of football, detailing how he started in the sport and the unique challenges he faced as a player living with type 1 diabetes.

Chris opens up about his transition from football to futsal, eventually representing Wales internationally in futsal, and sheds light on the lack of support and awareness for athletes with hidden disabilities and chronic health conditions. This inspired him to create TDFC, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with type 1 diabetes in the sports community.

Chris explains how TDFC brings together athletes with diabetes through futsal, organizing international competitions and providing resources for men’s and women’s teams. The organization’s mission goes beyond sport, as it challenges misconceptions and stigma around athletes with diabetes, advocating for inclusivity, education, and the growth of futsal in the UK.

Join host Jordan Rushworth as he delves into Chris Bright’s story, exploring the intersection of sport, health, and advocacy. Chris’ journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, the potential to create change, and the need for inclusivity in sports for athletes living with chronic conditions.

Check out www.sportendorse.com for more details on how to partner with Chris.

In this episode of The Athlete Sitdown, host Jordan Rushworth chats with Dontavious Hill, a promising high jumper making waves in the track and field world. Dontavious opens up about his journey from discovering high jump in high school to competing at the collegiate level and representing Team USA.

In this episode of The Athlete Sitdown, host Jordan Rushworth chats with Dontavious Hill, a promising high jumper making waves in the track and field world. Dontavious opens up about his journey from discovering high jump in high school to competing at the collegiate level and representing Team USA. He shares the challenges of balancing academics with elite sports, competing in Costa Rica, his determination to never give up, and his aspirations of joining a major championship team and winning an international medal.

Beyond the track, Dontavious discusses his passion for coaching, content creation, and advocating for mental health. He also reflects on the inspiring decision by two Olympic high jumpers to share a gold medal and reveals his favorite movie and sport to watch.

Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of high jump’s rising stars as he shares his story, his dreams, and his dedication to making a difference on and off the field.

www.sportendorse.com

In this enlightening episode of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Neil Eckersley, an Olympic judo medalist who has successfully transitioned into the world of contemporary abstract art.

In this enlightening episode of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Neil Eckersley, an Olympic judo medalist who has successfully transitioned into the world of contemporary abstract art. Neil's journey from the judo mat to the art studio is a compelling narrative of overcoming personal challenges and finding new avenues for expression and success. Neil opens up about his early struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, and how judo provided a much-needed outlet and focus during his formative years. He delves into the rigorous training and discipline required to achieve his 7th Dan black belt and the honor of representing Great Britain at the Olympics. Neil reflects on the importance of savoring each moment of his athletic career and the invaluable lessons learned from competing at the highest levels.

After retiring from competitive judo, Neil transitioned into coaching, emphasizing the significance of gaining real-world experience and managerial skills. He shares his philosophy that performance and personal growth outweigh the mere collection of medals, and he finds immense joy in the success of his students.

Neil's passion for art has also played a crucial role in his life, helping him navigate personal challenges and grief. He discusses his involvement with the Art of the Olympians platform, which showcases the creative talents of former athletes. Neil offers insights into how his artistic pursuits have provided a therapeutic outlet and a new sense of purpose. Join host Jordan Rushworth as he delves into Neil Eckersley's multifaceted journey, exploring his transition from Olympic judoka to a respected coach and accomplished artist. Neil's story is a powerful testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of new passions beyond the world of sports.

https://www.sportendorse.com/en-uk

Eimear Considine, an Irish rugby union player, shares her journey from Gaelic football to rugby and her experiences representing Ireland in both sevens and fifteens. She discusses the challenges of balancing her rugby career with her teaching job and motherhood.

Eimear Considine, an Irish rugby union player, shares her journey from Gaelic football to rugby and her experiences representing Ireland in both sevens and fifteens. She discusses the challenges of balancing her rugby career with her teaching job and motherhood. Eimear emphasizes the importance of resilience, goal-setting, and having a strong support network. She also talks about her involvement in the Tackle Your Feelings campaign, which promotes mental well-being in sports. Eimear encourages young girls to get involved in rugby and aim high in their aspirations. Her why is to inspire girls to achieve things they never thought possible.

Join host Jordan Rushworth as he uncovers the inspiring story of Eimear Considine, a true testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one's dreams. Eimear's journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and a clear vision, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve remarkable success in both your personal and professional life. https://www.sportendorse.com/en-uk

In this captivating episode of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Lauryn Davey, a remarkable Welsh heptathlete who is also on the path to becoming a doctor.

In this captivating episode of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Lauryn Davey, a remarkable Welsh heptathlete who is also on the path to becoming a doctor. Balancing the intense demands of medical studies with the rigorous training required for heptathlon, Lauryn embodies dedication, resilience, and passion in every aspect of her life.

Lauryn's journey is one of unwavering determination and exceptional multitasking. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in sports and medicine, dreaming of excelling in athletics while pursuing a career dedicated to helping others. Despite the immense challenges posed by her dual pursuits, Lauryn has excelled, proving that with hard work and the right mindset, one can achieve greatness in multiple fields.

In this enlightening conversation, Lauryn shares her experiences of competing at the highest levels in heptathlon, a sport that demands versatility, strength, and endurance across seven different track and field events. She delves into the intricacies of her training regimen, the mental fortitude required to balance her academic and athletic responsibilities, and the support system that has been crucial to her success.

Moreover, Lauryn discusses her medical aspirations, highlighting her passion for making a difference in people's lives through healthcare. She offers insights into how her athletic background has instilled a unique perspective and discipline that she applies to her medical studies and future career as a doctor.

Join host Jordan Rushworth as he uncovers the inspiring story of Lauryn Davey, a true testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one's dreams. Lauryn's journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and a clear vision, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve remarkable success in both your personal and professional life. https://www.sportendorse.com/en-uk

Sport Endorse sits down with Sophie McKinna to hear how she became the GB's number 1 shot putter, made it to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo,

Sport Endorse sits down with Sophie McKinna to hear how she became the GB's number 1 shot putter, made it to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, was the first British woman in 36 years to reach the final at the 2019 World Athletics Championships and achieved all of this while being a custody detention officer.

Sophie fought through injury to make sure she competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Now, after her surgery, she is back to her best, looking to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics in July.

Join us as host, Jordan Rushworth, gets to really know Sophie and shows how she came to be at the top of her sport.

In this exciting debut of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Vanessa Ruck a.k.a The Girl on a Bike to hear how she turned a life changing incident into a daredevil lifestyle and has inspired so many today.

In this exciting debut of the podcast, Sport Endorse sits down with Vanessa Ruck a.k.a The Girl on a Bike to hear how she turned a life changing incident into a daredevil lifestyle and has inspired so many today.

After a lethal road accident 10 years ago, Vanessa, who had always maintained an extremely active lifestyle, thought her adrenaline chasing days were over. However, following numerous painful surgeries and years of committed rehabilitation, Vanessa has undergone an inspirational transformation. Now, she’s fitter than ever and fearlessly engaging in daredevil activities that would leave many of us sick with dread.

Crossing the Sahara, conquering the Belize rainforest and off-roading in Iceland are some of the many destinations in which Vanessa has found herself attached to her bike. When not competing, Vanessa is also determined to motivate others through her achievements and show that regardless of life’s obstacles, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Her #BecauseICan movement is focused on primary school kids and teaches them that despite the constant setbacks of Covid-19, if one has the right tools to make the most of life and explore beyond their comfort zone, they can.

In this honest and touching conversation, host Jordan Rushworth gets to really know The Girl on a Bike and shows what an amazing inspiration Vanessa Ruck is to us all. https://www.sportendorse.com/en-uk

Ever considered launching a pro-baseball team, trying to build rapidly while maximizing the positive impact of the team and its stadium for the community and sponsors?

In this episode of 'The Sitdown with Sport Endorse', our guest is Kevin Brown, Director of Business Development and Sponsorship for Staten Island Entertainment, a dynamic firm that is bringing Pro baseball, concerts, and community entertainment to Staten Island in New York.

We talk about what it is like to be part of a rapidly growing young company with strong values, how the pro-baseball team 'The FerryHawks' came to be, ways in which the company can collaborate with partners and sponsors, top sporting moments, and why Japanese player Yoshi Tsutsugo has joined the FerryHawks.

Show Notes:

00:30 About Kevin

01:21 What sports Kevin played

02:35 Kevin's day-2-day with SIE

05:09 Background to Staten Island Entertainment and the FerryHawks 07:23 Signing Yoshi Tsutsugo

09:36 Some characters on the team

11:37 SIE's biggest success to-date?

14:09 Baseball, importance to the community and to sponsors

18:19 Importance of technology in the next 12-24 months?

21:26 Working well with sponsors and the community

25:32 Being honest with sponsors

27:20 How can business learn from sport?

31:22 Mitigating risk around sponsorships

33:35 How alignment of values is crucial

36:34 Ideal new sponsor for next season?

38:33 Role of content in sponsorship

42:44 Measuring ROI on a sponsor

46:09 Top 3 moments in sport to-date

50:59 Toughest challenge

52:00 Biggest Joker/ Nerves of steel

END

Jack Kenney-Herbert, is Director of Sponsorship for Sid Lee, a multidisciplinary global creative agency of brand builders. Part of the Kyu group, which is under Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Sid Lee works with a selection of the world's leading sports rights holders and sports talent and have delivered exceptional campaigns.

Jack talks to us about his 10+ years of working in and around sport, about great campaigns, including an extraordinarily successful and continuing multi-year partnership between the Brand 'Sure' and Premier League Football Clubs in the UK. He also shares what he thinks is essential for successful sports sponsorships, his aspirations for 2023, and the fact that the CEO of Sid Lee in London is a true sports fan.

Show Notes:

01:12 What sport Jack does himself

02:18 Jack's role in Sid Lee

04:41 Oppo + Champions League partnership

05:15 Lidl + UEFA

06:06 Bringing the brand Sure into Football in the UK

08:11 The next 12-24 months in terms of collaborating with sport

- 08:36 why an individual deal with athlete can be beneficial
- 09:13 benefits of partnering with a sports team/ property

10:50 Mitigating risk in campaigns and need for flexibility

12:00 The role of tech and AI in future collaborations

14:49 'Authentic' content is now a must have

16:20 Mitigating risk in collaborations

18:25 Investing in producing proper content leads to much better outcomes/ ROI

19:39 Is there an optimum length for a collaboration/ partnership?

21:01 What industries collaborate well with sport?

22:01 Does sport transcend culture and assist in targeted messaging?

23:11 How to measure ROI?

24:54 Top 3 moments in relation to sport for Jack so far?

27:03 Biggest challenge so far in career?

28:26 Best joker encountered so far?

29:38 Person with 'Nerves of Steel'?

30:46 Biggest sports fan Jack knows

31:32 Sporting hero?

32:02 Best sports event attended so far?

32:48 Favourite way to relax?

33:09 Best thing to happen this week?

33:35 Hopes for the remainder of 2023?

END

What's the secret to being an excellent athlete? Could you succeed in being that good in four different sports along your journey as an elite athlete?

In this episode of 'The Sitdown with Sport Endorse', our guest is Megan Henry, a USA athlete that has excelled at four sports, and is now helping athletes herself.

We cover a lot of ground, from life threatening blood clots, the disappointment of missing out on Team USA for an Olympics after being a leading contender ranked 8th in the world, meditation, mindset, food, and much more.

Show Notes:

01:38 How Megan got involved in sport

04:31 D1 collegiate athletic career

05:06 Joining the military

07:13 What Skeleton is all about

13:21 Competing for Team USA

17:31 Important to reach out if needed

19:27 Impact of not making an Olympics

23:29 Getting into Olympic Weightlifting

25:01 Dropping weight in a short time period

29:24 Discovering life-threatening blood clots

33:11 The road to recovery

38:42 What Megan does for 'fun'!

40:36 Who would Megan like to play her in a movie

40:52 Sporting heroes

43:50 Brands that Megan uses regularly

45:28 Cheat meal choice

47:10 Athlete types and locations that Megan would work with

END

For the first episode in a series where we explore the collaboration between brands and sport and what best practice looks like, we were delighted to have Lorna Danaher, Sponsorship Manager for Energia, as our guest.

Energia is one of longest providers of green energy across the island of Ireland, and has over 250,000 customers, and as a brand, it has a strong history of aligning with sport. Lorna's experience around sponsorship for both Energia, and companies she worked with before, mark her out as an authority on sponsorship, working with sport, and how to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.

Show Notes:

01:17 Lorna's involvement in sports

02:09 How to stay motivated

03:16 What makes Energia special

04:10 Current partnerships

05:58 Grassroots approach

08:02 Stacey Flood and Hugo Keenan as brand ambassadors

10:09 Most satisfactory collaboration to-date

17:25 Yes/No on social media

19:24 TikTok Six Nations a good thing

21:00 The team in Energia that make the sponsorship’s succeed

24:15 Mitigating risk in sponsorship

27:17 Can sport work for different industries

29:33 Does sport transcend cultures

31:10 Challenges or innovation in sport

32:49 Measuring ROI on sponsorship

35:51 Best sporting moments to-date

38:24 Tough moments

40:10 Funniest sports person

42:43 Nerves of steel sports person

43:26 Biggest sports fan in the office

44:40 Sporting hero, best sports event ever, favourite way to relax, best things to happen so far this week

45:14 Hopes for the rest of 2023

END

It was great to talk with Muhmmad Azmi, Founder of GYMZYG, a new UK based brand that aims to give people improved confidence by ensuring that the gym gear they wear fits properly. We discuss why Muhammad founded GYMZYG, what the aims for the brand are, why sports people make sense to help promote the range, and how AI is helping the brand to differentiate itself in what is a crowded market.

Show Notes:

01:17 Muhammad's involvement in sports

03:37 Why GYMZYG was founded

05:17 Delivering value to customers

07:37 Brand values

10:35 What's behind the name GYMZYG

13:07 Core products at the moment and plans for product range

17:18 Importance of technology to the business

19:38 Biggest challenge to-date

21:23 Best success so far

24:12 Staying motivated

26:34 Managing currency exposures

28:25 Purpose and aims for the brand

31:29 Sporting hero

33:14 Favourite way to relax

33:39 Favourite music

35:01 Favourite meal

37:29 Languages spoken

38:57 Complexity around sizing

42:23 Open to discussion with athletes

END