Steve Jones
BBC Information, Yorkshire
Johnny Reed/BBC
Joe Fishburn, from Scarborough, was once topped Gladiators champion on Saturday
The newly topped champion of Gladiators has described successful the display in entrance of his cherished grandmother as “the most efficient second of my existence”.
Joe Fishburn, a 24-year-old Staff GB gymnast from Scarborough, beat Mus Dumbuya in Saturday’s ultimate to be named without equal male winner of sequence two in conjunction with fitness center proprietor Amanda Wah, who received the ladies’s festival.
Mr Fishburn, who was once raised through his grandmother Christine after his mum died when he was once two, had in the past mentioned he was hoping his existence tale would give other people “religion and hope after they face a problem”.
“I will’t inform you how superb it feels,” he mentioned of his victory.
The gymnast was once cheered on through family and friends, together with his grandmother, all over his time at the display.
“There were such a lot of occasions the place I’ve competed out of the country and he or she’s now not been in a position to trip,” he mentioned.
“For her to look me successful, even within the first spherical, going in the course of the paper and getting to look her and everyone loving her – it was once really the most efficient second of my existence.”
Johhny Reed/BBC
Former Gladiators contestant Roddy Mackay (left) coached Mr Fishburn (proper) prior to the contest
Mr Fishburn mentioned seeing his circle of relatives “come in combination” have been his spotlight from the Gladiators 2025 revel in.
“It was once in point of fact improbable to have an instance, now not essentially a tragic one, the place everybody can get in the back of you and get in combination,” he defined.
“Circle of relatives is extremely necessary to me.”
Forward of taking at the Gladiators problem, Mr Fishburn skilled at Scarborough Gymnastics Academy.
He devised a programme particular to the display underneath his trainer Roddy Mackay, a former contestant within the unique TV sequence.
Mr Mackay mentioned Mr Fishburn’s victory was once “superb – I knew he may win it”.
“His gymnastic skills and his rugby skills are simply the easiest fit for Gladiators,” he mentioned.
Pay attention: Scarborough gymnast is Gladiators champion
Mr Fishburn’s achievements had helped encourage the following technology of gymnasts at Scarborough Gymnastics Academy, Mr Mackay mentioned.
“Joe has simply been an absolute dream to paintings with,” he added.
“He units probably the most superb instance to those youngsters. It is going to have motivated them.”
Mr Fishburn mentioned there have been “undoubtedly” some long term contenders on the academy.
