The 33 youngsters competed in a three-day international competition in the city of Mainz against gymnasts from across Europe including Germany, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Denmark.
The Monarchs certainly put Highbridge on the sporting map, winning an outstanding line-up of individual medals.
Many of the families travelled in convoy through the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany, whilst other parents went by air.
The gymnasts had trained up to 12 hours a week in preparation for the competition and all the training and dedication of the coaches, Tony Merrett, Mandy Warburton, Naomi Shepherd, Chloe Sadiq certainly paid off.
“They are all brilliant, as well as being so talented and were a lovely group of kids to take away – all of the gymnasts make us so proud,” said Sue Merrett.
“The support for each other was outstanding, with the chorus of the Monarch’s cheers dominating the competition, as each of the gymnasts performed their routines, winning medal after medal.”
Gold medals were won by Heather Reed, Emily Augar, Lucy Smith, Samuel Cemm, Toby Baker, Katie Hoskins, Ellie Petrie, Gina Cumberlidge, Jacob Baker x3, Charlie Dymond, Thomas Hicks x3, Alice Dymond and Natasha Stockham x3.
Silver medals were won by Jack Warburton, Jack Hunt, Mia Rowlands, Alice Kelson, Freya Cooper, Chloe Hayes, Jessica Reed x2, Katie Hoskins and Ellie Petrie.
Bronze winners were Olivia Augar, Eleanor Cater, Olivia Reed x2, Shannon House, Eloise Baker and Shauna Cross x2.
She added: “Special thanks to Naomi Shepherd and Chloe Sadiq, both coaches at the club, who were also judges in the competition; Julie Baker and team for helping with the organisation; Jo Hodder for all the beautiful leotards; John Smith for the photographs and all the families for their support.”
“Finally, from all the families and their gymnasts, an enormous thank you to Tony and Mandy for all the time and commitment they have dedicated to the gymnasts, resulting in the talented club Monarchs has become!”
Emmy Dymond, Casey House and Sophie McGrath qualified for the finals on Sunday, qualifying within the top eight partnerships, after performing two beautiful routines.
The Womens Pairs Age group 8-16 proved to be very competitive with fifteen partnerships competing. Hollie Grainger, Aaliyah Chan and Rosie Hodder, Grace Huggins competed to a very high standard.
Katie Hoskins and Ellie Petrie were awarded a trophy for achieving the highest score in their category for their balance routine, scoring a fantastic score.
“A special mention goes to Shannon House, who has been training with the club since she was four years old. This was her last competition with the club and she achieved a Bronze Medal in both of her routines. The Monarchs wish Shannon all the best at University next year, added Sue.
“Thanks also were expressed to SDS Southwest Digital Systems Ltd, who sponsored the club with training T-shirts, ensuring the team were instantly recognisable on the competition floor whilst warming up their routines, as were their coaches. The shirts were printed locally at Jester Prints in Highbridge.”
For many of the gymnasts it was their first time competing abroad and, after the success of such an amazing weekend, they are now enthusiastically training for their next competition.
