Four members of Highbridge’s Monarchs Gymnastics Club have returned home with big smiles after successfully competing against current World and European medallists at the 2014 Acrobatics British Championships.
Katie Hoskins and Ellie Petrie competed in the 11-16 age category while Alice Dymond and Natasha Stockham competed in the junior category at the event in Stoke-on-Trent.
The championships are highly competitive with the gymnasts not only fighting to be the best in Britain but also seeking to represent Great Britain in the World Championships later in the year.
Katie and Ellie performed a beautifully-choreographed balance routine, followed by a creative ‘bouncy’ Tempo routine. Both routines were executed with confidence, gaining them high artistry and difficulty scores to put them into the finals on Sunday where, after competing against present World and European medallists, they gained 8th position overall.
‘We are extremely proud of the girls that they were able to get to the finals since the standard of the gymnastics was so high. They competed against some of Europe’s and Great Britain’s best gymnasts. All of their efforts in training over many long hours have paid off!” said Kerry Petrie.
Alice and Natasha competed in the high level juniors section – their second time competing in the British competition, but their first time at junior level. They performed courageous balances and an expressive Tempo routine despite Alice recovering from a back problem and showed pure determination to complete both routines.
The duo’s final challenge was the combined routine in the finals on Sunday where they had to perform as combination of balances and tempo moves, which they executed very well to gain a silver medal overall.
Parents Tracy Dymond and Samantha Stockham were delighted that the girls could still compete and achieve the silver medal. Tracey said: “We are very proud of our girls!”
The Championships were broadcast live online via British Gymnastics TV, allowing the girls’ families and friends to support them back at home.
The girls and their parents thanked coaches Mandy Warburton and Tony Merrett for all their time and hard work, Jo Hoddar of ‘Dymond Leotards’ for designing their leotards, Ashley Payne for choreographing the routines, and Monarchs Acrobatic Gymnastics Cub for all their support.
For those interested in joining the Club, classes start from walking age and the club venue can also be hired for parties. Find out more here.
