Freddie Woodward - Diving deep: Letting go, moving forward, and building what’s next

We’re joined by Freddie Woodward, Olympian, European and Commonwealth medallist, and former Team GB diver.

From standing on the board at Rio 2016 to stepping away from the sport that shaped him, Freddie shares what it really feels like to walk away from elite competition, and the work it takes to redefine yourself after it.

This conversation explores the mental shift from dreaming to doing, the lingering questions around identity, and the power of reflection in shaping what comes next. It's a raw, thoughtful, and energising chat packed with honest insight and practical takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• Transfer your strengths - the skills that took you to the top are exactly what you need to succeed in life after sport.
• You’re not done - your best, most meaningful work might still be ahead of you, don’t limit your story to past performances.
• Take a step back - pause, reflect, understand your values, skills, and what you still want to learn.
• Action beats intention - dreaming big is only half the equation, progress comes when you start doing the work.
• That quiet voice matters - if you’re already wondering what’s next, listen to it, explore it.
• Reinvention is necessary - it’s not enough to stop, you have to let go and reshape who you are beyond the jersey.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

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