Six Months Recovery After One Bad Landing: Why I Needed Ankle Surgery

EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this solo episode, Winston shares a personal and honest update on one of the biggest setbacks of his gymnastics career so far — a dislocated ankle that required surgery and a long road to recovery. He walks through the days and weeks leading up to the operation, what actually happened during surgery, and how he’s approaching rehab both physically and mentally. From initial panic to long-term planning, this episode captures the emotional rollercoaster of injury — and what it really takes to keep moving forward. Key Takeaways Pre-Surgery Mindset Winston opens up about the lead-up to the operation: the pain, frustration, and uncertainty, as well as the mental shift needed to accept what was coming. What Surgery Was Like He talks through the surgery process, how it felt to be off his feet, and the reality of being sidelined as a high-level athlete. Rehab & Recovery Plan Now in the early stages of recovery, Winston shares how he’s managing the physical and mental side of rehab — from staying motivated to setting realistic benchmarks. What This Means Going Forward With the season disrupted and goals temporarily paused, Winston talks honestly about how this injury has changed his perspective, and how he's reframing progress during this time. Best Quotes "An injury that I thought would take a week or two to heal… needed ankle surgery four months later." "It's easy for me to get all caught up in it, but also at the same time, you don't know what you don't know." "You have to remember to give yourself a bit of grace… especially when you're surrounded with people doing some amazing stuff." My Social Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5 The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Gamehttps://payhip.com/b/f6RjV Host Bio As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success.