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  • The Future of Gymnastics: Coaching Philosophy and Artistic Growth with Alice Sumners==
    2025/12/16
    In this episode, Winston sits down with Alice Sumners, a former GB gymnast turned coach and choreographer. Alice shares her extensive gymnastics journey, starting from her early beginnings at just one year old, to her rise through various squads, culminating in her time with the GB squad. Alice shares her standout moments in competition, including her experience of winning the British Royal Championship in 2018, and the emotional challenges she faced when her gymnastics career was cut short due to a nerve condition. KEY TAKEAWAYS Gymnastics Journey: Alice Sumners began gymnastics at the age of one, influenced by her mother’s background in the sport. She progressed through various squads, ultimately reaching the GB squad before her career was cut short due to a medical condition. Coaching Philosophy: Alice emphasises the importance of enjoyment in gymnastics for young athletes. She believes that fostering a love for the sport is crucial for retention and personal development, as the skills learned in gymnastics translate into valuable life attributes. Impact of Gym Stars: The programme Gym Stars has significantly contributed to increasing interest and participation in gymnastics. Alice noted that many young gymnasts say they started the sport because of the show, highlighting its positive influence on the gymnastics community. Challenges in Competition: Both Alice and Winston discuss the pressures of performing in competitions, particularly under the scrutiny of cameras. They share experiences of performing well in training but struggling during competitions, illustrating the mental challenges athletes face. Future Aspirations: Alice is focused on advancing her coaching career, aiming to become a high-performance coach. She is currently pursuing her Level Four coaching qualification and is dedicated to nurturing young gymnasts while promoting a positive and supportive training environment. BEST MOMENTS Alice Sumners:“I think it’s really important that that attribute is rewarded as well as all of the amazing acro skills.” Winston:“It’s very hard being a coach right now, because there is a fine line. And where it is, is very difficult to discern.” Alice Sumners: “I want to keep them in the sport and enjoying it because it is such a great sport in that it teaches you things like discipline, work ethic and determination.” Alice Sumners: “I think something like Gym Stars would be beneficial. It did such positive things for children.” Winston: “If more people knew about the sport and saw the sport, they would be watching it because it is a cool sport.” ALICE SUMNERS LINKS https://sumners-style.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/sumners_style/?hl=en MY SOCIAL LINKS ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5 MY E-BOOK The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV HOST BIO As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠
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    58 分
  • Balancing Acts: How Elite Gymnast Sam Ghinn Manages Training and a Growing Business
    2025/12/09
    In today's episode, Winston is joined by Sam Ghinn, a talented gymnast and co-founder of the fast-growing sportswear brand Satus. Sam shares insights from his nearly 20-year journey in gymnastics, including his experiences as a junior British champion and a member of the England squad. Sam discusses the inception of Satus, the challenges of balancing training with running a business alongside Olympians James Hall and Jake Jarman, and the brand’s vision to support athletes and create a positive impact within the sportswear industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Balancing Gymnastics and Business Sam has successfully managed to balance his training as a gymnast with running Satus, a sportswear brand he co-founded with Olympians James Hall and Jake Jarman. He emphasises the importance of time management and prioritising recovery to optimise his training. Mindset and Performance Sam has learnt that his performance improves when he focuses on the qualitative aspects of his routines—such as executing clean skills—rather than fixating on scores. This shift in mindset has led to better results and a more enjoyable competition experience. Satus Brand Vision The long-term vision for Satus includes supporting athletes, particularly in underfunded sports like gymnastics, and creating a positive impact in the sportswear industry. They aim to develop programmes that provide resources and support for athletes. Product Development Process The development of Satus products involves creating detailed technical packs for clothing, collaborating with suppliers, and iterating on designs based on feedback. Sam highlights the importance of understanding athletes’ needs in order to create effective sportswear. Learning from Peers Training alongside experienced gymnasts like James Hall and Jake Jarman has provided Sam with valuable insights into effective training strategies and the importance of smart, consistent practice to avoid injuries and enhance performance. BEST MOMENTS Sam Ghinn: “I found them very different. I remember as a junior being on the GB team, I did find it tricky. I struggled with the pressure… but being on the England squad has been a very fun experience.” Sam Ghinn: “If my expectations are based around where I want to place or what score I want to hit, I find that pressure not helpful.” Sam Ghinn: “One of the longer-term visions is to create a great scheme or support programme to be able to support athletes.” Winston: “Does it make more sense to you now that putting an Olympian on as the face of the brand might have helped?” Sam Ghinn: “I think my coach is supportive. He helps me… he’s great at seeing that and helping me train to the best of my ability.” SAM GHINN LINKS https://satuswear.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorar886flIjvvuNMVhc2e0TJco9wswmEoDPGkeBKFtpm4HC3Ghp MY SOCIAL LINKS ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5 MY E-BOOK The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV Host Bio: As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠
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    43 分
  • Crafting the Perfect Routine: Insights into Gymnastics Routine Construction
    2025/12/02
    In this episode, Winston takes us through the intricate process of routine construction in gymnastics. The importance of trial and error when developing routines, how gymnasts select skills based on their individual strengths and the requirements of each apparatus. Winston shares personal insights and experiences, including his own considerations while preparing for upcoming competitions. This process can be found in his new book, The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding the Game, which offers a deeper exploration of the sport, including scoring, apparatus, and routine construction KEY TAKEAWAYS Routine Construction as a PuzzleCreating a gymnastics routine is compared to solving a puzzle, where gymnasts must work out how to connect skills while maximising difficulty and minimising energy use. Individualised ApproachEach gymnast’s routine is highly personalised, requiring consideration of their strengths, weaknesses, and the skills they can perform consistently. This tailored approach is vital for achieving the highest possible score. Importance of PlanningBefore entering the gym, gymnasts should have a clear plan (ideally with multiple options) for their routines. This preparation allows them to focus on execution rather than making decisions during training. Balancing Difficulty and Execution Gymnasts must balance the difficulty of skills with their ability to perform them cleanly. Sometimes, opting for a lower-value skill that can be executed well is more beneficial than attempting a higher-value skill that results in deductions. Competing for Confidence and Growth Competing isn’t solely about winning; it also helps gymnasts gain confidence, improve their skills, and prepare for future competitions. This mindset emphasises personal development and the value of experience over medals alone. BEST MOMENTS “When you’re making a routine, where do you start? Normally, if you’re a gymnast, you sort of know where you’re at, so you can start.” “It’s all about finding what’s right for you – that’s the biggest thing.” “You have to work at it in the gym, but you also have to think about it when you’re out of it.” “Sometimes adding the D value is just to get the routine out there, regain consistency in competition, and build the confidence to perform it.” “It’s not just about the medals. It rarely is. Sometimes it’s about the graph—the numbers behind it all that make it work.” MY SOCIAL LINKS ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5 MY E-BOOK The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV Host Bio: As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠
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    27 分
  • Understanding Gymnastics Competition Formats: From Team Events to Individual Finals
    2025/11/25
    In today's episode, Winston examines the various competition formats in men’s artistic gymnastics, including team competitions, all-around events, apparatus finals, and qualifications. Winston covers essential aspects such as warm-up procedures, touch warm-ups, and the strategic elements involved in team events. Winston highlights the importance of understanding these formats to better appreciate athletes’ performances and the nuances of scoring. KEY TAKEAWAYS Competition Formats:The podcast discusses various gymnastics competition formats, including team competitions, individual all-around events, apparatus finals, and qualifications, highlighting the differences in warm-up times and strategies for each format. Warm-Up Procedures:There are two main types of warm-up: General warm-up, which lasts between one to two hours (and must exceed one hour in FIG-regulated competitions). Touch warm-up, which is a brief period immediately before competing on each apparatus. This is typically 50 seconds for most apparatus, except vault, which allows two runs. Team Competition Structure:In team competitions, teams can allocate their warm-up time flexibly among gymnasts, totalling 150 seconds for three gymnasts on each apparatus. The competition format can vary, with some events using a 5-3-3 structure—meaning five team members, three compete, and all three scores count. Individual All-Around Finals: Scores from all six apparatus are combined. Warm-up order is usually structured so gymnasts warm up on the same apparatus they will compete on first. The order of competition is determined by qualification results. Qualifications: Qualifications act as a combination of all formats, allowing gymnasts to qualify for apparatus finals, all-around finals, and team finals. The structure can be complex, as some gymnasts may compete in both all-around and specific apparatus events, which can lead to confusion when assessing their performance and qualification status. BEST MOMENTS This is important to know because when you’re watching the competition… sometimes it’s hard to know what athletes are actually trying to achieve.” “The main warm-up is held in the back gym. It normally lasts between one and two hours but must exceed one hour in FIG-regulated competitions.” “In team finals, the format will be 5-3-3… all three scores have to count.” “The Olympic all-around champion is often considered to be the best gymnast in the world at that time, regardless of apparatus specialism.” “The last one I’ll cover is qualifications… because it’s the most all-encompassing of them all.” MY SOCIAL LINKS ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5 MY E-BOOK The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV Host Bio: As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠
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    21 分
  • The Art of Scoring: Navigating the Complexities of Gymnastics Scoring
    2025/11/18
    In this episode, Winston talks through the intricacies of gymnastics scoring, focusing on the two main components: the Difficulty Score (D-score) and the Execution Score (E-score). Listeners will gain insights into how scores are calculated, including the importance of element values, penalties, and bonuses, as well as the roles of different judges in the scoring process. Winston also shares personal experiences and discoveries made while writing a book titled “The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding the Game,” which serves as a comprehensive guide for fans, gymnasts, and coaches alike. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Scoring in Gymnastics:The scoring system in gymnastics consists of two main components: the Difficulty Score (D-score) and the Execution Score (E-score). The D-score reflects the difficulty of the routine, while the E-score assesses the execution quality, starting from a perfect score of 10 and deducting for errors. Element Values and Group Requirements:Each gymnastics element is assigned a value (A to J) based on its difficulty, with A being the easiest (0.1) and J being the hardest. Elements are also categorised into groups, and gymnasts can earn bonuses based on the variety and difficulty of the elements performed. Penalties and Deductions: Penalties can be applied for various infractions, such as attire violations or exceeding warm-up times. Coaches can also incur penalties for undisciplined behaviour during a gymnast’s routine. These penalties are deducted from the final score. Stick Bonus:A stick bonus of 0.1 is awarded for successfully sticking the dismount, which is assessed by the D jury. This bonus is an important aspect of the D-score calculation. Future Topics and Resources:The podcast will cover additional topics related to gymnastics scoring, competition formats, and routine construction in future episodes. A book titled “The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding the Game” is available for those seeking a deeper understanding of the sport, including detailed information on scoring and apparatus-specific rules. BEST MOMENTS “I wanted this podcast to be about people really understanding the sport. People watch every four years, but no one really understands what’s going on behind it.” “The two main parts of the score are D score and E score, but then there are also penalties and stick bonus. So technically four parts.” “If you want to know specifics, and if you want to know more, either continue listening to the podcast, or go into competition.” “Mark deductions should be the least frequent, and point-one deductions will be the most frequent. They’re everywhere in pretty much anything you do.” “Anything that seems wrong, like attire violation – so not wearing a leotard and longs or shorts for specific apparatus – can lead to penalties.” MY SOCIAL LINKS ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5 MY E-BOOK The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV Host Bio: As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠
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    21 分
  • From Surgery to Success: Jameel Ali's Journey Back to Competitive Gymnastics
    2025/11/11
    In today’s episode, Winston welcomes Jameel Ali, a talented gymnast representing Trinidad and Tobago, who shares his journey from competing at university level in the United States to making his mark on the international stage. Jameel discusses his experiences at the Pan American Championships, including the challenges he faced after recovering from knee surgery and the adjustments he made to his routines in light of the new Code of Points. KEY TAKEAWAYS Inspiration and Journey: Jameel Ali draws inspiration from local gymnasts such as Kevin Litwin and historical figures like William Albert, who paved the way for Trinidad and Tobago in gymnastics. His journey includes competing at varsity level for the University of Washington and returning to Canada to continue his gymnastics career. Adapting to Challenges: During competitions, Jameel emphasises the importance of adaptability, particularly when faced with unexpected challenges such as equipment issues or unfamiliar conditions. He believes maintaining a positive mindset and being prepared for adversity are crucial for success. Knee Surgery Recovery: After undergoing knee surgery for a partial meniscal tear, Jameel highlights the importance of a slow and careful recovery process. He learned to balance his eagerness to return to competition with the need to take sufficient time to heal properly. Routine Construction and Code of Points: Jameel discusses the new Code of Points in gymnastics, which requires a balance between difficulty and execution. He emphasises the need for a methodical approach to routine construction, focusing on building skills gradually while ensuring they are performed with precision. Long-Term Goals: Jameel’s aspirations include competing at the Olympic Games and helping to build a gymnastics team for Trinidad and Tobago. He aims to inspire future gymnasts from his country and demonstrate what is possible through perseverance and dedication to the sport. BEST MOMENTS “I want to take this country, this nation, as far as I can go with the sport of gymnastics.” – Jameel “It was incredible to go to a different country, compete on different equipment, and meet amazing gymnasts and people from across the globe.” – Jameel “You can’t expect everything to go perfectly. You just have to take these things and adjust to them on the fly.” – Jameel “It’s a balance between difficulty and execution… you want to give every single skill your all, like it’s the best you can do.” – Jameel “I think the new code really lends itself to bigger dismounts.” – Winston MY SOCIAL LINKS https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/ Host Bio: As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    1 時間 3 分
  • From Concussion to Comeback: A Gymnast's Journey Back to Training
    2025/11/04
    In this episode, Winston shares a personal update on their recent two-month hiatus due to a concussion sustained during training. Winston recounts the details of the injury, the challenges faced during recovery, and the impact it had on their training and daily life. Winston reflects on the emotional struggle of being sidelined while teammates continued to progress, emphasising the importance of mental resilience in sport. Additionally, Winston discusses his aspirations for the podcast, aiming to educate listeners about gymnastics and promote the sport to a wider audience. KEY TAKEAWAYS Concussion Experience: The speaker sustained a concussion on 1st September, which led to a significant break from training and podcasting. Initially, they did not realise the severity of the injury, attributing symptoms to a headache. Impact on Training:The concussion, combined with a prior ankle injury, resulted in a two-and-a-half-week absence from the gym. The speaker described the mental and emotional challenges of not being able to train, especially when teammates were progressing. Podcast Direction: The break provided an opportunity to reassess the podcast’s direction. The speaker aims to educate listeners about gymnastics, its intricacies, and the dedication of gymnasts, hoping to increase the sport’s visibility and appreciation. Future Content Plans: Upcoming episodes will include discussions based on a book the speaker has written about gymnastics, covering topics such as scoring, competitions, and apparatus. There will also be a mix of interviews with gymnasts, coaches, and other sporting figures. Personal Growth and Goals:The speaker is also focusing on personal development through part-time work and speaking engagements, emphasising the importance of building grassroots participation in gymnastics and sharing the discipline and motivation learned from the sport. BEST MOMENTS "I want to spread the word of gymnastics... my goal is to get people to know what it is and if people know what it is then they'll start to enjoy it." "It was really tough not going into the gym... having to sit by and just wait while you know every one of your teammates is working hard." "We train ridiculous hours, our bodies are always in bits, but we go in anyway, and we work our butts off." "The British championships shouldn't be like half filling an arena. It should be selling out arenas." "If you build up the bottom layer of the pyramid in terms of participation, the rest of it will grow." MY SOCIAL LINKS https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/ https://www.tiktok.com/@winstonpowell5 MY E-BOOK The Game of Gymnastics: Understanding The Game https://payhip.com/b/f6RjV Host Bio: As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    20 分
  • Breaking Barriers: A Comprehensive History of Women's Artistic Gymnastics
    2025/09/09
    In this episode Winston delves into the rich history of women's artistic gymnastics, highlighting its evolution from pre-1950s calisthenics to a globally recognised competitive sport. The discussion covers key milestones, including the first Olympic appearance in 1928, the introduction of standardised apparatus in 1952, and the impact of the Perfect 10 scoring system, which was later replaced by open-ended scoring in 2006. KEY TAKEAWAYS Historical Development: Women's artistic gymnastics made its Olympic debut in 1928, 32 years after men's gymnastics, and initially featured only team events without individual medals or standardized apparatus. Evolution of Scoring: The scoring system for women's gymnastics transitioned from the Perfect 10 system, which was used until 2006, to an open-ended scoring system that combines difficulty and execution scores, allowing for greater potential in scoring. Influence of Athletes: Simone Biles has significantly impacted the sport, becoming a dominant figure in women's gymnastics and raising awareness about mental health issues within the sport, especially following her experiences during the Tokyo Olympics. Differences Between Men's and Women's Gymnastics: Women's gymnastics has four apparatus compared to six for men, and the physical demands differ, with women's routines often emphasizing artistry and grace, while men's routines focus more on strength and acrobatics. Popularity Disparity: Women's gymnastics has gained more popularity than men's gymnastics, with larger audiences and participation rates in competitions, despite men's gymnastics being introduced first. This trend highlights the need for increased visibility and support for both disciplines. BEST MOMENTS "In 1928, that was the first Olympic appearance of women's artistic gymnastics. This was 32 years after the men's artistic gymnastics' first appearance." "Nadeo Comaneci scores the first ever perfect 10 in the sport... It completely changed the sport, how people constructed routines, how people approached it." "In 2006, open ending scoring happened... So there then became the difficulty score and execution score added together creates the final score." "Women's peak earlier, they mature faster... they normally drop out sooner as well than men's for whatever reason." "Women's artistic gymnastics has evolved a lot over time... It has changed from essentially group calisthenics to global elite competition that is bigger than most Olympic events." MY SOCIAL LINKS https://www.instagram.com/wpowell05/ Host Bio: As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes, makes him the perfect guide to exploring the strategies and stories behind gymnastics success. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    27 分