Episode #4 | Perri Shakes-Drayton on the Athletic Life Beyond the Track and Embracing New Challenges

Harry's Gym Chat

Welcome to Harry’s Gym Chat, we’re in my gym and we’re going to chat! This is a podcast powered by USN; we’ve got some exclusive offers for you that we are going to be giving away a little bit later in the episode. At the same time we are on YouTube so make sure you subscribe, we’re going to be talking about all things health and wealth and fitness. But, also all things positive because I’m a positive guy and we like to keep it fun and friendly.
Step into the gym with me, your host, as we engage in an exhilarating heart-to-heart with the remarkable Perri Shakes-Drayton (https://www.instagram.com/itspsd/). The former Olympian and European champion joins us to unfold the vibrant chapters of an athlete's life, revealing the thrills and spills beyond the finish line. Together, we journey back to our youthful days at the World Juniors, chuckling at memories of our greenhorn days and the tech gadgets that earned me the nickname 'gadget man'. Perri, with refreshing frankness, navigates through the complexities of social media's impact on athletes, the nostalgic privacy of past training days, and the resilience needed to bounce back from career-defining injuries.
Feel the pulse of an athlete's life as Perri guides us through the less glamorous aspects of professional sports — the strategy behind rooming at events, the modesty of travel accommodations, and the adrenaline rush of international competitions. She opens up about her transition from the track to the buzz of entertainment, sharing her thrilling stint on 'Dancing on Ice' and the financial landscapes between reality TV and athletic endorsements. In a fusion of levity and depth, we discuss the importance of embracing culture, as well as the little debates that spark joy, like the correct pronunciation of 'plantain' among Nigerian, Jamaican, and Ghanaian customs.
Our conversation culminates in a celebration of growth and the art of embracing every facet of life's rich tapestry. Perri shares her fitness journey post-retirement, the tenacity it took to face the grueling challenges on "SAS: Who Dares Wins," and the vital role of staying active. We confront the fear of rejection, the impetus to step beyond comfort zones, and the indispensable power of humor in life's continuous journey. This episode isn't just a glimpse into the life of a storied athlete; it's a testament to perseverance, transformation, and finding joy in every leap and bound of existence.
Harry Aikines Aryeetey is an Olympian having represented Great Britain in the Rio Olympics as well as the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and European Championships earning him medals, including 5 gold medals, in 4x100m relay and 100m events. Harry is also a well-known fitness influencer where he shares his passion for sport and fitness with his audiences on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
For more from Harry visit:
Instagram: @aikines https://www.instagram.com/aikines/
TikTok: @harryaikines https://www.tiktok.com/@harryaikines
YouTube: @aikines1 https://www.youtube.com/@aikines1
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Chapters

1. Chat With Olympian Perishake Straighten (00:00:00)

2. Transition and Reflection in Athletics (00:09:00)

3. Transitioning From Athletics to Enjoying Life (00:17:06)

4. The Trials and Travels of Athletes (00:22:15)

5. Transitioning From Athletics to Entertainment (00:27:35)

6. Retired Athlete's Fitness Journey and Aspirations (00:40:19)

7. Embracing Growth, Overcoming Fear of Rejection (00:48:46)