National medals for gymnasts
Thomas and Joe claim silver medals, while Will and Emily take bronze
Two young partnerships from Honiton gymnastics club made their mark on the national scene at the weekend, taking medals at the National Development Plan (NDP) Finals in Stoke on Trent.
Grade 1 Men’s Pair Thomas Merrick and Joe Shackleton brought home silver medals and Grade 1 Mixed Pair Will Counsell and Emily Mungoven returned with bronze honours.
Both partnerships – coached by Lauren Davey and Rich Gilyatt in the Squad Acro Potential Group – were competing against the best pairs in their class from across the UK after winning golds the regional prelims in February.
“We’re so proud of all four gymnasts,” said Lauren. “The potential group requires lots of hard work, but it has really paid off. In Grade 1 acrobatics, gymnasts have to perform moves with precision, while demonstrating their stability, strength, flexibility and artistry skills.”
The gymnasts attend Honiton Gymnastics Club for 11 hours per week, focussing on fundamental gymnastics skills and preparation that will hopefully enable them to progress to the highest level of acrobatic gymnastics.
In all, five partnerships from Honiton Gymnastics Club competed at the NDP Finals, which includes all Grades 1-6 gold medallists from 13 UK regions.
Other Honiton performers were Grade 1 women’s pair Abigail Wilson and Katherine Wilson who came 9th; Grade 2 Mixed Pair Josh Cambridge and Esme Shackleton who came 7th; and Grade 5 Mixed pair Olivia Wotton and Callum Abbott who finished in 9th.
“Qualifying for the national finals is a huge achievement in itself,” said Pam Burns, Senior Club Coach at Honiton Gymnastics Club. “Bringing back medals is particularly impressive and we had a number of personal best performances and individual achievements over the weekend too. All Honiton gymnasts made us extremely proud coaches.”
Honiton gymnasts’ next challenge comes in July when they will compete for further honours in the South West Championships. While higher grade gymnasts will compete at Yate, near Bristol, Grades 1-3 performers from across the region will congregate at Honiton Leisure Centre as Honiton Gymnastics Club hosts the SW Championships for the first time in its history.
To enquire about classes, email honitongymclub@gmail.com.