GUCCI coat and trousers. Photographed by Eddie Blagbrough for Vogue Philippines
In an exclusive interview, the Filipino-British gymnast, who gained a lot of attention at the Paris Games, opens up about his unique upbringing, the support that fuels him, and how to keep calm under the pressures of competition.
At just 22, Jake Jarman has already achieved what many athletes spend a lifetime chasing: representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games and securing a medal on the world stage. But behind the intense training and accolades, Jake reveals a grounded, multifaceted personality with passions that extend far beyond the gymnastics mat.
The young athlete enjoys various activities outside of his sport and values his family and heritage. Born to a British father and a Filipino mother from Cebu, Jarman embraced both cultures with ease. “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 United Kingdom at a young age, his memories of the Philippines still feel vivid. He shares that he used to go to a mall in Cebu to play computer games, and that he misses dried mangoes, a Cebuano delicacy, calling it his favorite snack. He credits his enduring connection to the Philippines to the lively family gatherings that brought his community together in the UK. “I remember we used to have barbecues quite often,” Jarman recalls. “Whenever I was at these gatherings, it felt like I was back in the Philippines for a few hours.”
Family plays a central role in Jarman’s life, especially his grandmother who he lovingly calls ‘Nan,’ who helped shape his journey as an athlete. “She would drive me to the gym every single day and take me to competitions,” he says. Jarman fondly recalls coming home after Paris and putting his Olympic medal around her neck. “She gave it a massive kiss,” he says with a smile.
In the high-pressure world of gymnastics, Jarman stands out with his composed demeanor. “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.” The young athlete stays grounded with a unique perspective to competing. “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 keeps things balanced with small creative pursuits, like 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.” The athlete’s favorite subject to draw is eyes, noting that he enjoys sketching the outlines and filling the irises. Apart from drawing, he also frequently connects with his fans online through his Instagram broadcast channel and a Discord group where he live streams playing video games, much like other people his age.
But when he’s back in training, Jarman stays 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.”
He’s driven by the same calm determination that propelled him to Olympic success. With a strong support system that includes his coach, family, and the British Gymnastics team, he recognizes the power of having people in his corner. “We’ve got a lot of support around, like physiotherapy, psychology, nutritionists,” he said, adding that having such a network reassures him even when he doesn’t need to reach out. “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.”
The athlete’s experience has brought forth new realizations within himself. “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,” Jarman 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.”
By CELINE LAGUNDI. Photographs by EDDIE BLAGBROUGH. Styling by André DeVeaux. Vogue Man Editor: Danyl Geneciran. Digital Associate Editor: Chelsea Sarabia. Fashion Coordinator: Miss Bones.
