Having made his artistic gymnastics Olympic debut for Team GB at Tokyo 2020, Joe Fraser competed at his second Olympic Games last summer at Paris 2024, where Team GB (Max Whitlock OBE, Jake Jarman, Harry Hepworth and Luke Whitehouse) placed 4th and he finished 5th in the individual All-Around event. Joe returned to gymnastics at the 2024 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships after a year out due to injury, with Team GB winning Silver, and he became the British All-Around champion last year, along with winning Gold on Parallel Bars, Silver on Floor and Bronze on Pommel Horse at the British Championships. Further competitions for Joe include winning three Golds at the 2022 European Championships in Munich for Team, All-Around and Parallel Bars, and he competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with his England teammates James Hall, Courtney Tulloch, Giarnni Regini-Moran and Jake Jarman, winning Team Gold, with Joe also coming away with Gold medals on Pommel Horse and Parallel Bars. This year, Joe is hoping to compete at the World Championships, and he trains at City of Birmingham Gymnastics Club, and in April, he opened Joe Fraser Gymnastics in Lichfield for gymnasts of all ages and abilities. We found out from Joe about competing at two Olympic Games for the Great Britain artistic gymnastics team, becoming British All-Around and Parallel Bars champion last year, being 3x European champion in 2022 in Team, All-Around and Parallel Bars and opening Joe Fraser Gymnastics in Lichfield.
Last summer, you competed at your second Olympics, representing Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games; how different did you find competing in Paris compared to your Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2021, and what was it like finding out you’d made the artistic gymnastics team?
Competing in Paris felt completely different to Tokyo. In 2021, the Games were very restricted due to the pandemic, so there were no crowds, limited interaction with other athletes, and everything was a bit surreal. Paris, on the other hand, was electric – the atmosphere, the fans, the buzz around the city, it just made it all feel more like the Olympic experience I’d always dreamed of.
Finding out I’d made the team again was just as emotional as the first time. It’s always a huge honour to represent Team GB, and after everything I’d been through with injuries, it felt even more meaningful.
What was it like competing at the Bercy Arena in both the Team and All-Around competitions, and finishing 4th with the team and 5th individually?
The Bercy Arena was incredible – the noise, the energy, the scale of it. Competing there felt special. We were so close to a Team medal, and of course, 4th always stings a bit, but I’m so proud of what we achieved together. Finishing 5th in the All-Around was a personal milestone for me, especially knowing how competitive the field was. I gave everything I had, and I walked away with no regrets.
What did you enjoy most about staying in the athletes’ village and being part of the British Olympic team?
The athletes’ village is one of the most unique and inspiring places you can be. You’re surrounded by the best athletes in the world, from every sport, all with their own stories and journeys. Being part of the British Olympic team always gives me such pride – there’s a real sense of unity and support. You’re wearing that kit with the lion on your chest, and you know you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.
How was it returning to major international competitions for the 2024 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in April last year and winning Silver in the Team event, having had a year out from competing due to injury?
It meant everything. Coming back from injury is never easy – physically or mentally – but I was so motivated to get back out there. Winning Silver with the team was a massive boost and showed that the work I’d put in during recovery had paid off. I felt more grateful than ever just to be competing again.
You became the British All-Around champion last year, also winning Gold on Parallel Bars, Silver on Floor and Bronze on Pommel Horse; what are the British Championships like to compete at, and how does it feel winning British medals?
The British Championships always feel special – it’s a chance to compete in front of a home crowd, friends, and family. To come away with the All-Around title and medals across multiple apparatus was a proud moment. It’s a reflection of the hard work in the gym and the support of my coaches and teammates. British medals are close to the heart – they represent home.
In 2022, you won three Golds at the European Championships in Munich, in the Team, All-Around, and on Parallel Bars, can you tell us about your time at this competition?
Munich was honestly one of the highlights of my career. Everything just came together – my performances, the atmosphere, the connection with the team. Standing on top of the podium multiple times was surreal. It gave me a huge confidence boost and reminded me of what I’m capable of.
How did you find the experience competing at the Commonwealth Games in front of a home crowd in Birmingham alongside your English teammates James Hall, Courtney Tulloch, Jake Jarman, and Giarnni Regini-Moran?
Competing in my hometown was unforgettable. The support from the crowd was next level – I could hear my family, friends, and local supporters cheering every time I stepped up. Sharing the experience with that team of amazing athletes made it even more special. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.
How was it coming away with Gold in the Team and on Pommel Horse and Parallel Bars, and how did you stay focused during the competition?
Winning those Golds at home was unreal. The noise and excitement could have been distracting, but I really focused on staying in my own headspace. I trusted my training and just took it one skill at a time. It helped that we had such a tight team – we supported each other the whole way through.
In April, you opened Joe Fraser Gymnastics in Lichfield, can you tell us about this?
I was incredibly excited to launch Joe Fraser Gymnastics. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time – to give back to the sport that has given me so much. We’re creating a space where gymnasts of all ages and abilities can come to learn, grow, and enjoy the sport in a positive, supportive environment.
Was there anything that encouraged you to open your own gym, and how did it come about?
I’ve always had a passion for helping others through gymnastics. After spending so many years training and competing, I wanted to create a place where the next generation could discover their potential – whether that’s aiming for the Olympics or just having fun. The idea started during my recovery from injury – I had time to reflect and plan, and from there, things started to take shape.
What was it like getting Joe Fraser Gymnastics ready to open?
It’s been a huge journey – from choosing the location to designing the layout and working with a brilliant team behind the scenes. There have been challenges along the way, but seeing it all come together now is just amazing. I couldn’t wait to open the doors and welcome our first gymnasts.
What can gymnasts expect from Joe Fraser Gymnastics, and why would you recommend signing up?
We’ve built a gym where everyone feels welcome – whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring elite athlete. Gymnasts can expect top-class equipment, passionate coaches, and a fun, encouraging environment. We focus not just on skills, but on confidence, discipline, and enjoyment. I’d recommend signing up to anyone who wants to be part of something positive and inspiring.
How did you get into artistic gymnastics, and was it something you always wanted to do at elite level?
I got into gymnastics at a young age, mostly to burn off some energy! But very quickly, I fell in love with the sport – the challenge, the creativity, the discipline. Once I started competing, I knew I wanted to take it as far as I could. Becoming an elite gymnast became my goal early on, and I’ve been chasing that dream ever since.
What is it like training at City of Birmingham Gymnastics Club, and what does your training day look like?
City of Birmingham has been my second home. The coaches and teammates there have helped shape me into the gymnast I am today. A typical training day includes a mix of conditioning, apparatus work, routine refinement, and recovery. It’s intense, but there’s a real sense of community and drive that keeps us all pushing forward.
Who are some of your favourite gymnasts (either current or retired) to watch, and how do you like to spend your time away from sport?
I’ve always admired gymnasts like Kohei Uchimura for his consistency and elegance, and Louis Smith was a big inspiration for me growing up, especially on Pommel Horse. Outside of gymnastics, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and getting outdoors. It’s important to have that balance.
Do you have any competitions coming up that you can tell us about or that you are targeting?
Right now, my main focus is the World Championships later this year – it’s a big goal for me. I’m also keeping an eye on selection for other key events, depending on how things go. I’m taking things one step at a time and making sure I’m in the best place mentally and physically to perform at my best.
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