Okehampton Flyers had four gymnasts compete at the National Age Group Competition, which is the highest level of qualifying competition run by British Gymnastics. The competition is against all of the clubs in the UK. The purpose of the event is to qualify for the British Championships.
New to the national circuit this season were Esther Smith and Connie James, who both did superb routines in the large arena at Telford International Centre, finishing 27th and 28th respectively in the 11-12 girls event.
In the 11-12 boys category and a higher age group this year, Mason Parker-Groves completed two solid routines with good form and a new double somersault to come 17th in trampoline against older, more experienced competitors. A slight error on double mini trampoline (DMT) saw him drop to 9th place in this event.
Georgia Parker performed two stylish trampoline routines with new double somersaults and beautiful form to come 14th in the 15-16 girls class. Georgia won the English Championships last year in her first season of national trampoline.
Their coach, Vicki Pritchard, said: “We’re really proud of the hard work the gymnasts have put into the event. Thank you also to their parents for their support and commitment, taking them to training sessions several times a week and to all of the season’s competitions, and for their support of the club.”
All of the gymnasts are now working on increasing their skill difficulty and perfecting their technique for finals this year and for next season.