My journey in gymnastics began at six years old and continued through to age twenty-two. I was proud to represent Great Britain on the national team, competing at two World University Games along the way. After retiring from competition, I spent the next ten years performing with Cirque du Soleil and working as a stunt performer for film and television.

During that time, I noticed something interesting. In the professional entertainment world, performers often wore specialised gear designed to reduce pain and protect the body from repetitive impact. Yet, in gymnastics, athletes continued to train and perform hundreds of repetitions a week with little to no protective clothing available.

An Achilles injury eventually brought my performing career to an end, but it also opened a new door. I began coaching women’s gymnastics at the world-renowned WOGA Gymnastics, eager to give back the knowledge and passion that had shaped my life.

While coaching, I saw athletes from five and up, struggling with the same injuries. Bone bruising, hip abrasions, and painful skin grazing. Some of them even lost confidence to try new skills because of the discomfort. It was heartbreaking to watch.

I couldn’t shake the question: Why wasn’t there a solution?

So, I decided to create one. I began hand-making prototype shorts designed to protect against impact and friction. My athletes tested them and the results were immediate. They trained longer, felt safer, and regained their confidence again.

At my first competition season, I spoke with coaches from other gyms and discovered just how widespread this issue was. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just about my athletes. it was about helping gymnasts everywhere train safely and confidently.

And that’s how Happy Hips was born. A product inspired by experience, fuelled by empathy, and created to protect the next generation of athletes.