Blake Gidley, 23, from Lincolnshire won seven medals including two golds at the Disability British Gymnastic Championships in Stoke-on-Trent last week. Blake has ADHD and Autism and has been doing gymnastics for 13-years.
The 23-year-old took home golds in the rings events and all-around. All-around is all the disciplines scores put together. He also won silver in the floor, vault, parallel bars and high bar. Additionally, he earned a bronze on the Pommel horse. We asked him some questions to get to know him a bit better.
What is your training regime?
My current training regime is four hours a week in the gymnastics gym. I know this is a lot less than other people do at my level, therefore to make up for the lack of hours in the gym, I travel to Nottingham to go to their adult gymnastics sessions which gives me another two hours a week on pieces. The benefit of training in Nottingham is them having Pitts to use to help me practice more risky and difficult skills in a safe environment.
At home, I normally train two to three times a day for around three hours; this makes up for the lack of time I get in the gymnastics gym. Most of the time I focus on rings. At home, I also do ice baths and other rehab techniques this gives me that extra edge in what I do.
What would you say to others who have ADHD and Autism and want to get involved in gymnastics?
I would say go for it. Make sure you enjoy it, work hard and you will be able to achieve great things. Never let the fact you have disabilities hold you back, as you can do amazing things if you work hard enough and want it enough.
What was it like to do so well at the Disability British Gymnastics Championship?
It was pretty surreal to do so well. This was my first time competing at a national level and my first time competing since Covid-19. I wasn't sure what to expect, and to hit all my routines and do so well, winning the competition was amazing and one of the best feelings I've had.
How did you feel winning the all-around event?
Winning still hasn't fully set in. It’s a relief to know all my hard work paid off. I’m so happy and even more motivated after winning the all-around. For the last two years, I have been a specialist and I only returned to training high bar vault and floor in the last six weeks specifically for this competition, so getting to the level I have back on those pieces.
Why is rings your favourite event?
Rings has always been my favourite event. I have always naturally had lots of strength and power, so they have always come more natural to me. I feel most comfortable and have the most fun on rings. That’s why becoming Rings Olympic champion is my ultimate life goal.
Who inspires you in the gymnastics world and why?
Kohei Uchimura and Yuri Van Gelder are my two biggest inspirations when it comes to gymnastics. Uchimura is a Japanese artistic gymnast; who is a seven-time Olympic medallist. Van Gelder is a Dutch gymnast; their best discipline is the rings. I love how Uchimura just makes everything looks effortless and perfect, and van Gelder for his insane level of strength on Rings which is where I'm aiming to get to.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I aim to be a lot higher level than I currently am. I want to get into the Olympic team for 2028 and be going for the Olympic Rings Gold.
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