At just 25 years of age, Maidstone artistic gymnast James Hall already has an impressive medal tally to be proud of.
James Hall has won silver and bronze medals at the European Artistic Gymnastic Championships and gold and silver at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Despite his brilliant success so far in the sport, James’ drive and determination is fixed on bringing the pinnacle of accomplishments back to his gym Pegasus GC, an Olympic Gold medal.
CommunityAd were fortunate enough to be able to catch up with James Hall before he flew out to Tokyo for this year’s Olympic Games.
We discussed his earliest memories of gymnastic, the hell that has been these past 16 months, affinity with club Pegasus GC and his proudest achievements in the sport so far…
What are your earliest memories of gymnastics and what was it about the sport that made you want to pursue this as a career?
My earliest memories of the sports were actually watching the older guys at Pegasus who were just enjoying the sport a few hours a week not at a particularly high level, just seeing how much fun they had and how much joy it brought them. All I could think is that I wanted to have that much fun and that I want to someday be as good as them. It is in my nature to strive to be the best I can possibly be so I guess that is what made me want to pursue the sport, my ethos is to leave no stone unturned and to do my absolute best in every endeavour.
Who would you say were your role models growing up?
My role models growing up were of course the guys who were on the team at the time such as Dan Keatings, Louis Smith, Kristian Thomas etc. However, I quickly learnt to look at the people around me, older and younger, and realise that every single one of them has their own inspirational story and we all have the power to lift each other as we go.
How much have Pegasus Gym helped you develop and become the artistic gymnast you are today?
I owe my entire gymnastics career to Pegasus; I count myself lucky that I have been there since I was six years old and have never had the thought cross my mind of changing clubs. They’ve always been so accommodating and always wanted the best for me and other members and it has provided me with the perfect team and it brings me a lot of pride knowing I will represent them at the Olympic games.
Do you have a tick list of what you would like to have achieved and where you would like to be in 10 years’ time and if so, what is highest on your list?
With regards to having a list of what I’d like to achieve, I know it sounds cheesy but all I want is to be happy. I’m not really one for material goods and I think this last year with COVID has really shown us what’s important. So, health and happiness for all my family and friends!
What would you say is your proudest achievement so far in gymnastics and can you describe how you felt when you achieved this?
My proudest achievement is probably being selected for the Olympic games, it is in my opinion the pinnacle of an athlete’s career or certainly my career. Although, it has given me great pleasure to see the younger generations following in my footsteps and daring to be better than I am which is arguably a better achievement.
Can you explain how the past 16 months have been for you as an athlete with the Olympics being postponed last year, was it difficult to stay on track and continue training through these uncertain times?
It was definitely a challenge these last 16 months, Olympics being postponed and not being able to train for a considerable amount of time was no picnic. I had never felt lower in my life but what helped was trying to establish a plan of what I would do post-COVID and that my dreams were still alive and to constantly remind myself of that. Surrounding myself with good people that wanted to help and wanted the best for me certainly lifted me out of those troublesome times.
What piece of advice would you give to any youngsters taking up gymnastics with the dream of wanting to compete at the Olympics?
My advice to youngsters wanting to achieve an Olympic games would be to enjoy the people around you and of course the journey. It will be tough but it will give you so much in terms of character and you will get to travel the world and go to some amazing places and meet some incredible people.
Away from your training, what are your hobbies and interests?
I wouldn’t say I have a particular hobby but, with the reminder of COVID, seeing my friends and family as often as I can and spending some good quality time with them and just having a laugh would be my favourite past time and a good way of keeping me sane!
You currently reside in Maidstone, what do you enjoy most about living in the town?
Maidstone has been my home for the last 23 years now and it offers so much. So many nice places to go in the actual town itself and there’s so much nature around, it really offers the best of both worlds!