Barry gymnasts had a fun day of tumbling at the Welsh Tumble Championships which were held in Haverfordwest recently. It was the first time gymnasts from the club participated in the event and they had a successful time.

Olivia Parry competed in the 13/14 years intermediate category and somersaulted her way to the top of the podium claiming the gold medal. There was similar success for Tia Ali in the 9/10 years Novice category when she claimed the title and also assisted the Barry team in claiming team gold along with Catrin Long, Caitlin Lord and Freya Parker. Catrin Long added to her medal tally by placing third overall. Elisha Watkins, Ffion Jackson, Megan Sully and Sophie Birkin also competed in this age category and performed some excellent tumbles. Nia Fenn represented Barry in the Novice 11/12 years category and did herself and the club proud by placing individual third. The fun continued for Barry's 9/10 years Improvers team of Alana Stokes, Ellice Stockford, Nia Davies and Seren Mirza Davies who claimed the bronze medal in the team event. Not to be outdone by their older clubmates the trio of Gabriella Hooley, Lucy Miles and Tesni Gardiner also claimed the bronze medal in the 8 years Novice team event. Emma Worrall competed in the higher level Intermediate 15+ category and performed well to place fourth. Well done to all gymnasts and coaches Aimee McCarthy, Cath Watkins, Karen Davies, Leanne Beard and Stacey Webb.

SQUAD SUCCESS

Four gymnasts from the Barry YMCA Gymnastics Club have gained places in the Welsh Rhythmic Gymnastics Squad system. Lorelei Westcott, Megan McIntyre, Daisy Connolly and Freya Evans were all selected to be a part of the 2010 squad.

Lorelei as the oldest most experienced gymnast (17) regained her spot on the National Squad without having to retrial since her 2009 competition results were so impressive. Coach - Fay Benningwood said “Lorelei deserves to retain her spot in the National squad, she worked very hard throughout 2009 medalling internationally and placing 2nd to Senior British Champion and Commonwealth Gymnasts Francesca Jones in the British Championships free dance.” Unfortunately due to injury Lorelei has been unable to accept her space for this year. Lorelei is enjoying helping to coach some of her younger team mates during her time away from training.

Megan McIntyre (10) undertook the squad testing and coupled with her achievements of 2009 (qualification to British Championships) and her standard at the testing regained her space in the preparation plus squad. This space sees Megan training regularly with the National Squad to prepare her to move into the National group in 2011. Megan also qualified once again this year for the Welsh and British Championships where she placed a very credible 2nd and 9th overall respectively.

Daisy Connolly and Freya Evans (8) were exceptionally pleased to receive spaces in the Preparation Squad. The two youngsters have worked extremely hard in the run up to the testing and performed superbly on the day. Daisy and Freya had their first taste of Intermediate level competition when they took part in the Welsh Championships. This was a very big jump from the novice standard at which the girls had been competing, but both girls performed well individually and were thrilled to achieve the silver medal position with their ball duet.

Congratulations also to Joanna Hourihan who just missed out on a space in the National squad this year. Joanna has not let this result hold her back. Joanna achieved a merit at her grade 6 level and qualified for the British Grades finals, where she performed three routines very well and placed 18th overall which is an excellent result for her first year at this level.

Well done also to Chelsea George (10), Elen Williams (7), Lowri McIntyre (7), Seren Cummings (11) and Ffion Byrne (12) who also participated in the squad trial.

For more information about Rhythmic Gymnastics please contact Fay Benningwood on 01446 724002.