Jake Jarman, the Filipino-British gymnast who captured the world’s attention at the Paris Games, is more than just an athlete. At 22, he’s already achieved what many dream of: representing Great Britain at the Olympics and securing a medal on the world stage. But beyond the rigorous training and accolades, Jarman reveals a grounded, multifaceted personality, a blend of cultures, and a passion for life that extends far beyond the gymnastics mat.
Born to a British father and a Filipino mother from Cebu, Jarman effortlessly embraces both cultures. “I was one of the only mixed-heritage kids in primary school,” he says, “It was kind of cool being able to say, ‘Oh, I’m half British.’” Though he moved to the UK at a young age, his memories of the Philippines remain vivid. He recalls playing computer games at a Cebu mall and fondly remembers his favorite snack, dried mangoes. This enduring connection to his heritage is fueled by the vibrant family gatherings that brought his community together in the UK. “I remember we used to have barbecues quite often,” Jarman reminisces, “Whenever I was at these gatherings, it felt like I was back in the Philippines for a few hours.”
Family plays a pivotal role in Jarman’s life, particularly his grandmother, affectionately called ‘Nan,’ who played a crucial role in shaping his athletic journey. “She would drive me to the gym every single day and take me to competitions,” he says. Jarman beams as he recounts coming home from Paris and putting his Olympic medal around her neck. “She gave it a massive kiss,” he shares with a smile.
In the high-pressure world of gymnastics, Jarman stands out with his composure. “I definitely feel some pressure going into competitions,” he admits, “but it’s not overwhelming. If there’s no pressure, maybe you’re being a bit complacent.” He approaches competition with a unique perspective, prioritizing enjoyment and perspective. “I tell myself to have fun during competitions. Sometimes I just remind myself, ‘You’ve done the hard work, now enjoy it.’ And it gives me energy.”
Outside the gym, Jarman finds balance through creative pursuits, particularly drawing. “It’s a hobby that’s on and off, but I started drawing when I was seven or eight, and only got back to it right before going to Paris.” He prefers sketching eyes, finding beauty in the outlines and details. Beyond drawing, Jarman connects with fans through his Instagram and Discord, where he live-streams video games, just like any other young person.
But when he’s back in training, Jarman remains laser-focused on his goals. “I’m always thinking about how to improve,” he says. “It’s about staying consistent and not letting small setbacks get in your way. When you train at this level, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of perfection, but I’ve learned that it’s all about progress.”
Jarman’s drive stems from the same calm determination that propelled him to Olympic success. He recognizes the power of having a strong support system, which includes his coach, family, and the British Gymnastics team. “We’ve got a lot of support around, like physiotherapy, psychology, nutritionists,” he says. This network reassures him, knowing that help is always available, even when he doesn’t need it. “It’s great knowing that support is always there. Even when I don’t need it, just knowing they have my back makes a huge difference.”
Through his journey, Jarman has gained valuable insights. “I feel like a lot of people put the Olympics on too high of a pedestal. Of course, it’s a massive event, but I didn’t want to let its enormity make me overly nervous going into the competition,” he reflects. “For me, if I didn’t enjoy the experience, it wouldn’t have been worth it. I’d regret it if I put too much pressure on myself, got stressed, and didn’t enjoy the process. And if I didn’t walk away with a medal, it would have felt like a much bigger disappointment.”
