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Bexhill Observer (16/10/09): Academy Celebrates Anniversay In Style
The 1066 Gymnastics Academy celebrated its first anniversary by claiming a collection of medals at the Sussex Championships.
Many of the club's squad gymnasts competed at the multi-discipline event in Burgess Hill after many weeks of preparation.
Kicking off the weekend was the team gym event. The club's team gym squad consisting of Ellie and Laura Whiting, Alannah Wood, Gemma Morgan, Danielle Sands, Jasmine Clarke, Selena Georgiou-Paton, Charlotte Whittaker and Lucy Burton produced very smooth runs on trampette and their strongest floor routine to date. They suffered from a fall on tumble but finished in second place, just 0.2 marks behind their nearest rivals. They came home happy with a set of silver medals and are looking forward to facing their competitors again at Regional Championships at the end of November.
Also competing were men's artistic gymnasts Callan Hall and Samuel Clarke who fought fiercly in their under 10 age category. They started on the high bar and impressed spectators, judges and peers with advanced routines which included double somersault dismounts. They performed these difficult routines without hesitation and to a huge reception from the audience. They went into their following five rotations feeling confident and enjoyed clean routines without any major errors. Callan Hall finished in second position with his club mate Sam not far behind in fourth. These two young stars now prepare to adjust their routines slightly for their first appearance at the British Championships at the end of the month.
Finishing off the first day of competition was the tumbling event. Three of the club's boys confidently demonstrated their ability. Jake Townsend earned a gold medal at the national 1 level. Daniel Dinsdale took a silver medal from the national 2 competition and Jack Cooper walked away from the national 3 level with gold.
Day two saw even more gymnasts step into the area, this time for the floor and vault events. Representing the girls was Samantha Prince in the bronze age 8-9 group. Samantha performed a beauitful floor routine and two very solid vaults. She was backed by very enthusiastic family members and ended her event with a respectable score of 14.100. Also competing were Ellie Whiting, Gemma Morgan and Selena Georgiou-Paton. Ellie and Gemma ended their second day of competing by earning bronze medals at the gold performance level.
The club's coaches enjoyed watching a large group of boys jog onto the arena floor for the men's floor and vault event. Harry Markfort, Kyle Wilson and Joshua Boreham all competed for the very first time. They appeared in the under 9 age group and Josh was delighted to finish in second place. First place and title of under 9 men's floor and vault champion went to club-mate Jake Townsend.
The under 12 age group allowed Nicholas Krystahl to make his debut for the club alongside all his friends he trains with. Kasbian Rogers enjoyed a good appearance and finished in second place in the same group.
The under 14 group was dominated by 1066 entries. Luke Freeman and Michael Varnham arrived at the venue nervous to compete for their first time. They made their coaches and supporters very proud and left the event eager for the next. Liam McKean made a popular return into competition in this group and left with much valued experience and confidence. Daniel Dinsdale tumbled and vaulted his way into silver medal position and was only pipped by training buddy Jack Cooper who became the men's under 14 floor and vault champion. He was thrilled to receive the trophy which bears the name of one of his coaches, Mark Poore, who earned the same title ten years ago.
Club founder and manager Matthew Hart was thrilled to see the coaches and gymnasts leave the event all smiling; "One year ago I attended the event with six gymnasts. This year six coaches took a small army of competitors out. We had a mix of seasoned and first time competitors on the arena floor, across a range of events. Everyone pulled together to watch and support each other. There were several non-competing gymnasts and their parents there as well as friends of the club who made the effort to come and cheer us all on. The coaches and gymnasts really appreciated it and it all added up to a fantastic weekend and a very proud first anniversary for us."
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