Coaching has given me back my self-worth
Purvis now guiding young stars to top
LOCKED down in Liverpool, Dan Purvis has had plenty of time to reflect on a career which earned rich rewards but left him questioning his future.
In February last year, the Scot announced his retirement from competitive gymnastics at the age of 28. He made it clear he had no regrets.
Sixteen major international medals had been won over ten years, including an historic bronze as part of the British men’s team at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
He clinched five medals while representing Team Scotland across two Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2014 (gold, silver and bronze) and Gold Coast 2018 (two bronze).
However, Purvis, who is Englishborn but qualified to compete for Scotland because his mum, Denise, is from Dundee, was left wondering where he would go next.
Coaching is his new passion. Sure, classes conducted via Zoom are not exactly the ideal way for him to perform his current role but he is determined to make his mark once restrictions are lifted after the coronavirus pandemic.
‘I feel it was the right decision to retire and having my last competition in the Gold Coast for Team Scotland was really emotional,’ Purvis told Sportsmail from his home on Merseyside. ‘It capped off my career. I still miss the sport, competing and representing my nation.
‘But it was the right thing to do and I don’t think I could have carried on for another two years. As much as I’m missing it, at least I’m still in the sport and loving it. I’m trying to help other gymnasts now come through. My work with British Gymnastics has been great. I want to help the juniors progress.
‘It has given me my self-worth back because I was struggling with that for a little bit and how I can have that same feeling of representing my country. Coaching has lent itself to me to do that.
‘It solidifies the fact I want to be a coach. It’s really important to stay passionate. Sport is all about passion and being a coach has kept me on the right track.
‘Now I’ve had time to reflect, I realise how fortunate I was to be a part of a home Games and to represent Scotland and British Gymnastics. It’s great to see all the sacrifices my mum and dad, coaches and myself went through. I could finish my career and know I did my best. It was a great ride.’
Purvis has helped launch British Gymnastics’ new fundraising campaign, #PresentforPounds, which challenges people to post a picture or video of their best ‘present’ — the closing moment of a routine — before donating to NHS Charities Together and nominating five friends to do the same.
It is just one activity Purvis hopes will keep youngsters and professional athletes motivated, given their attention should have been on something altogether different were it not for lockdown.
The postponement of this summer’s Olympics in Tokyo to next year has prompted many to adjust mentally and physically.
‘It’s so surreal for the athletes,’ said Purvis. ‘I feel for all the athletes. The gymnasts that I’ve seen coming through this cycle have done so well and were on the right track for these Games. It is a shame that the Olympics have been cancelled.
‘The British Championships were scheduled (for last month). Everyone had been preparing really hard. For lockdown to happen before that, it is such a shame.
‘I’ve spoken to some of the lads and they are trying to be as positive as they can in online chats and classes. It has been great to see.
‘It is a tough time for them but they are still trying to inspire other gymnasts and kids. Who knows when this will all blow over? You have to be as positive as you can.
‘For a gymnast who has been struggling with injury, this could be an opportunity for them. It’s swings and roundabouts.
‘When you are gearing up for an Olympics at the end of a four-year cycle, it must be so hard for them.
‘But at least the whole world is in it together. Everyone is riding that wave. No one has an advantage.’
Hailing the new campaign to raise funds for the NHS, Purvis added: ‘I’m massively proud to be involved. It’s a fantastic idea and something that not even gymnasts have to do.
‘It will be a great thing for everyone to get involved with, especially with social media being so big at the moment.
‘It’s a great opportunity to help the NHS. Hopefully it will go viral.’
British Gymnastics will match donations, up to a maximum of £50,000. To get involved, go to British Gymnastics JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/britishgymnasticsnhs