As Wales looks ahead to the Commonwealth Games, the focus this year extends beyond the athletes to those who guide and inspire them: the coaches. Under the theme Coach Legacy, Welsh Gymnastics celebrates the individuals whose leadership and dedication help shape the sport’s future. Olivia Bryl embodies this legacy. Once a young gymnast on the international stage, she now nurtures the next generation as Welsh National Coach.
Olivia’s gymnastics journey began early. At just 14, she was the youngest Welsh athlete at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. The scale and excitement of the event left a deep impression. “I was completely in awe of everything, from the athlete’s village to the competition venue. It was all so new and exciting, and I absolutely loved the experience,” she said. She vividly remembers a surreal moment when she spotted the Queen in the food hall, a highlight for the young athlete soaking in the atmosphere of a major multi-sport event.
Four years later, Olivia was part of the team as a travelling reserve at the Melbourne Games. Though she didn’t compete, she remained immersed in the experience, training daily and cheering on her teammates. This behind-the-scenes role allowed her to absorb the unique spirit of the Games and further fuel her motivation. Shortly after, she earned selection for the British team at the World Championships, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Representing Wales wasn’t just a competition; it was a formative experience. Gymnastics opened doors to travel and connection with people from all over the world. The Commonwealth Games, with their blend of sports and cultures, offered unique moments of friendship, “Exchanging pin badges with athletes from other nations was a fantastic way to connect with people from different sports and backgrounds.” Olivia explained.
Competition brought its own pressures. Olivia recalls feeling intensely nervous before her beam routine in Manchester, the noise of the home crowd amplifying the stakes. Yet, it was a moment she embraced and learned from. One of her proudest memories remains being selected as flag bearer at the Closing Ceremony, a symbol of honour she cherishes deeply, despite the rain that day.
Though deeply connected to gymnastics, coaching wasn’t always part of Olivia’s plan. After retiring from competition, she pursued Product Design at university. But the pull of the gym remained strong. “I continued to go to the gym and assist with coaching, which I found incredibly fulfilling,” she says. Olivia was ultimately offered a coaching role with Welsh Gymnastics to work alongside her former coach, Tracey Skirton. That job marked the start of a new chapter, and she’s been coaching ever since.
Interestingly, Olivia earned her international judging qualification while still competing. This gave her a unique perspective on gymnastics and enriched her coaching approach. Transitioning from athlete to coach felt natural, an evolution rather than a sudden change. However, it required a shift in mindset, from focusing on personal performance to prioritising the growth and wellbeing of others.
Coaching is multifaceted. Beyond teaching skills and routines, it demands patience, adaptability, and empathy. Olivia quickly realised “Coaching is more than just being a ‘coach’, there are so many hats that you have to wear, which I don’t think you initially think about when going into coaching”. Beyond teaching skills, coaches guide athletes through pressure, setbacks, confidence dips, and comebacks. It’s a role that requires flexibility, patience, and belief. For her, the reward lies in making a positive impact on her gymnasts, helping them gain confidence, resilience, and a lasting love for the sport.
She finds particular joy in seeing former gymnasts continue their journeys as coaches or judges, a testament to the legacy of mentorship and community within Welsh Gymnastics. Olivia hopes the life skills gymnastics imparts, confidence, discipline, and joy, stay with her athletes long after they leave the gym.
For athletes approaching the end of their competitive careers, Olivia encourages them to consider coaching as a way to stay connected. She acknowledges coaching comes with its own challenges but emphasises its daily rewards and variety. She says “A lot of gymnasts are so passionate about the sport, and coaching can often fill that hole when they finish their competitive career. Coaching has its highs and lows like every job out there, but it can be so rewarding on a daily basis, and no day or training session is ever the same!”.
Olivia counts herself as lucky to have someone who saw her potential and gave her a chance. “I was passionate about the sport and always wanting to learn more, and I think this was something that Tracey saw from early on. You have to be a sponge and take as much from every person and opportunity that you can,” she says. “I was very fortunate to be offered a coaching position when I finished training, which I will always be grateful for, and the rest is history!”
Today, Olivia Bryl’s legacy is defined not only by her past achievements but by the lives she influences every day. Her journey from athlete to coach reflects dedication, growth, and a deep sense of responsibility, a true embodiment of what coaching legacy means for Welsh Gymnastics.