Nile Wilson is relishing his new life inspiring the next generation of gymnasts.

The nine-time Commonwealth Games medallist has turned to coaching in his retirement, setting up Nile Wilson Gymnastics clubs across the country.

It is part of Wilson finding his purpose again after an injury forced him to retire three years after winning three golds and two silvers at Gold Coast 2018.

The Leeds gymnast has opened up about how he struggled with alcohol and gambling addictions but now loves nothing more than paving the way for gymnasts of the future.

“I love being in this environment. This is what I live for, this is what I was born to do,” said Wilson, who invited Team England’s leg of the King’s Baton Relay to his club in Leeds.

“Little did we know that the Gold Coast was my last competition. I am onto the next chapter now; it is about the next generation.

“Just as good a feeling standing on the podium with the national anthem playing is knowing that you have inspired someone, or helped someone through a difficult time, or inspired someone to move their body or try gymnastics.

“The sport has changed mine and my family’s life, and I know it can for thousands and thousands of other children.

“We see it; them walking in with a big smile on their face, leaving with a big smile on their face.

“The confidence, the courage, the communication, the body awareness. This sport is very special for children to take part in and to be making a small dent in that and giving access for many children is a dream come true.”
Wilson took part in the King’s Baton Relay in the Team England Taxi, before taking the baton – which has been designed by Cornish artist Bonnie Steward – into his club in Leeds.

The King’s Baton Relay is travelling the length and breadth of the Commonwealth to all 74 nations, with England’s leg heading to all four corners of the country supported by official automotive partner, Geely.

During Wilson’s taxi ride, the gymnast opened up about how struggled post-retirement before building himself back up.

“I had a really difficult period, I fell out with [my parents] and didn’t speak for three weeks because their decision was to try and tell me off,” he explained.

“All they judged and saw was my behaviour; all my drinking, every time I saw them I was hungover, miserable and scrolling my phone. They saw the way I was acting up and not committing to my rehab programme.

“They basically shouted at me and I thought I had lost my parents. I felt that lonely, I couldn’t articulate why I was doing it. It is difficult for friends and family.

“I learned that it was only me who could make the change, no matter how many conversations with my parents. Fortunately, I decided to go on that journey.”

Wilson officially announced his retirement in 2021 but was able to pack in plenty of brilliant memories competing for Team England, where he won five golds, three silvers and one bronze over two Commonwealth Games.

The Glasgow 2014 Games marked his debut, where an 18-year-old Wilson scooped team and horizontal bar golds alongside parallel bars silver and all-around bronze.

That launched Wilson’s senior career and he subsequently went on to earn horizontal bar silver at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
But the best was yet to come at Gold Coast 2018, where Wilson was one of the stars of the Games thanks to his hat-trick of golds and pair of silvers.

“They were such special experiences for me, to do two Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“Without that week [in Glasgow], I wouldn’t have gone on to do what I did in my career. It was such a stepping stone of belief that I was good enough.

“It was a little less pressure being the underdog and nobody knowing, but it didn’t necessarily affect my process and my performance. I loved pressure. Some athletes are just born with it. I always did my best gymnastics when it mattered the most.”