Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jamie Geraghty, author of ‘Becoming Your Version of an Athlete’, and I am the founder of Bar Monkey Calisthenics and the Irish Calisthenics Institution.
I am the first Calisthenics Athlete to represent Ireland in the WSWCF Calisthenics World Cup Super-Final and have been involved in coaching for over fourteen years.
This was my first book, I have always had a huge passion for reading and learning, and finally sitting down to put what I practice as a coach on to paper gave me a great opportunity to expand continue my own learning experience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Becoming Your Version of an Athlete : Creating an Individual Approach to Training.
The inspiration for the book came, surprisingly enough, through a conversation with my girlfriend, Sara. She was talking about her own training and still being regarded as a ‘beginner’ because she couldn’t do one movement within the assessment. This led me down a ‘rabbit-hole if you like as I just kept talking more and more about why athletes should be treated as individuals, and not pidegeon-holed by coaches. I just felt then it was something I wanted to explore further and try to explain why there is a need for an individual approach, and that the structure has to fit the individual, not the other way round.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m sure every author in their own way has ways of trying to find that creative spark. Sometimes for me, it’s a case of going for a walk and clearing my head. If I have a topic or particular area I am looking into, I will usually go for a walk, get away from screens etc. and try to process that thought in my head first. I find this helps me be more creative when I get back to the page.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
David Gene, 100%, through the Sports Gene and Range. Opened my eyes to genetics etc. and the physical potential of people when we understand them.
Malcolm Gladwell, obviously a hugely successful author. The way he carries his stories to make a point, he is one of the most engaging story tellers.
What are you working on now?
Well outside of the book I am running my clubs full-time, and trying to grow the sport of Calisthenics across Ireland. We are currently developing outdoor parks as well as indoor facilities and the aim is to have four outdoor parks specifically for calisthenics, by the end of the year, which would be a first for Ireland. With covid etc, we just want to get back to running outdoor classes and working with people again.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome gang of course!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’d still regard myself as one! All I would say is find something that you are actually passionate about. I am 100% a coach first, and the book I have pieced together is only possible because of my interest in coaching, youth development and ultimately, working with people in a sporting environment. If you find a topic that genuinely excites and interests you, this will give you the chance to voice your opinion and share it with the world.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on it’s ability to climb a tree, it will spend it’s whole life believing it is stupid.
What are you reading now?
In the Zone, by Clyde Brolin.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, like I said I have put together this book because it was a chance to speak about something I am very passionate about. I believe that the only way anyone can really develop in sport is through a coach having an understanding of the individual in front of them. What are their strengths, what are their physical characteristics, emotional responses to training and their cognitive reactions to stress? I feel as though a lot of the time coaches places athletes all in the same box, and then create a ‘copy, paste’ approach, whereas research tells us this doesn’t work. This is something I am very passionate about and want to create more awareness of. If I was to write another book or something along these lines I think I would need to find a topic for discussion that appeals to me as much as this. At this moment I am continuing to work on developing the sport of Calisthenics across Ireland.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I am stranded, I guess coaching doesn’t really matter anymore!
The books that have always appealed to me I suppose have been sports biographies and trying to tap into the mind of people that have been successful in this area. Books that I haven’t been able to put down and really enjoyed reading where:
John Kavanagh, Win or Learn
Arsene Wenger, My life in Red and White
The Sports Gene, David Epstein
Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath
Author Websites and Profiles
Jamie Geraghty Website
Jamie Geraghty Amazon Profile
Jamie Geraghty’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile