When Olympic Gymnasts Turn Up to Training…
- wickersgymnasticsc
- May 10
- 3 min read
Every now and then, something happens at the gym that shifts the atmosphere in a way that’s hard to describe but very easy to notice. It’s not louder or busier, and it’s not about putting on a show. It’s more that sense of everyone being just a little more tuned in, a little more focused, as if something important is about to happen.
That was very much the case when our gymnasts took part in a workshop led by Claudia Fragapane and Kelly Simm, two athletes who have spent years competing at the highest level of the sport.
It sounds impressive on paper, and it absolutely was, but what made the session stand out wasn’t the titles or the achievements. It was the way they worked with the gymnasts in the room.
More Than Just an Impressive Name
Claudia Fragapane, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist known for her powerful and fearless routines, brings a kind of energy that immediately lifts the space around her. Kelly Simm, an Olympian and European medallist, has a quieter presence, but one that carries a huge amount of precision and experience. Between them, they created a session that felt balanced, supportive, and genuinely engaging.
This wasn’t a case of standing at the side watching and admiring from a distance. The gymnasts were fully involved, moving through the session, listening carefully, trying things, adjusting, and trying again. There’s something about being guided by people who have actually done it, who understand the process rather than just the outcome, that makes everything feel a bit more real.
The Shift You Can See Happening
What’s always interesting with sessions like this is the change that happens quietly, almost in the background. No big announcements, no dramatic moments, just small shifts that build as the session goes on.
A gymnast who might usually hesitate deciding to give something a go.
Someone repeating a skill a few more times than they normally would.
That brief moment of concentration before trying again, instead of stepping away.
It’s subtle, but it matters. Because that’s where progress actually lives, not in big, perfect moments, but in the decision to keep going.
Why It Makes Such a Difference
For young gymnasts, it can be difficult to picture what “getting better” really looks like over time. Progress in gymnastics is gradual, and it doesn’t always feel obvious from one week to the next.
Seeing athletes like Claudia and Kelly changes that.
It brings a sense of perspective, showing that everyone starts somewhere, that skills are built step by step, and that confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something that grows, often quietly, through consistent effort.
That kind of understanding can be far more powerful than any single piece of advice.
What They Took Away From It
By the end of the session, the energy had shifted again, but this time into something more settled and purposeful. There was a sense of pride, a bit more confidence, and a noticeable willingness to keep trying, even when things didn’t come easily.
Not every gymnast will say much about it, but those moments tend to stay with them. They come back the following week with something slightly different in how they approach things, a bit more belief, a bit more patience with themselves.
And that’s exactly the kind of impact you hope for.
A Genuine Thank You
We’re incredibly grateful to Claudia Fragapane and Kelly Simm for taking the time to lead such a thoughtful and engaging workshop.
It wasn’t just exciting, it was meaningful, and it’s something our gymnasts will carry with them long after the session itself.
Thinking About Gymnastics?
You don’t need a special workshop like this to get started.
Most of our gymnasts begin with no experience at all, just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to try. From there, it’s all about building confidence step by step, at their own pace.
If you’re based in Worthing, Lancing, or Shoreham and thinking about giving gymnastics a go, you can find out more about classes or book a trial session here:
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