Olympic Bronze medalist Louis Smith seems to get more media attention in the UK than (even) Beth Tweddle.
His story is terrific. And Louis is surprisingly candid in interviews.
… His bronze in Beijing was a major breakthrough for British gymnastics. Now, he tells Richard Rae, the pressure is on for 2012
… Given he is that much better prepared, more medals – individual and team – appear to be a genuinely realistic prospect. Even Smith’s coach Paul Hall, admits to being surprised by the progress made by Smith and the rest of the British squad in the last couple of years.
“To be honest I can’t believe how far we’ve come in a relatively short time, and that’s hugely encouraging for Louis and the other gymnasts as individuals and for the future of the sport in the country,” said Hall. …
Louis was brought up by a single Mom in the bad part of town. It’s amazing that he got into gymnastics in the first place. Amazing that he persisted to become one of the best in the world.
… “But I’ve learned that what feels like punishment is how you improve. I originally got good at pommel because Paul [Hall] kept sending me to it as punishment. A lot of gymnasts dislike it because it’s so hard, but I was constantly on it.
“Gymnastics is all about discipline. You don’t argue back, you line up before the start of a session, you arrive at least 10 minutes before the session is due to start, you apologize if you’re late. Gymnastics has taught me valuable life lessons, it’s taught me the importance of discipline, and a lot of kids are lacking that these days.”
It is a theme Smith pursues. “I reckon they should use gymnastics as a boot camp. Seriously. You see those naughty kids on TV and they go to a boot camp, well, get them in a gym. Make them, if you have to. Then they’d learn the life lessons. I reckon there’s a future in that. …
The Independent – Louis Smith: ‘I’m in pain every day but what feels like punishment is how you improve’
Gymnastics Coaching.com 