GOLD medals were among the rewards as youngsters from local schools starred at the British Schools Gymnastics Association Acrobatic and Tumbling finals at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke.
After winning gold in the regional finals, the children had qualified to represent the Midlands at the nationals and they produced some terrific performances which earned plaudits from organisers.
In the disability pairs event, Henley-in-Arden School’s Reuben Bishop, who has Down’s syndrome, was partnered with Ella Rose Garratt of Studley High School and the 12-year-olds are the new national champions after scooping gold for their best performance of their routine.
They were praised by the judges for character, gymnastics ability and working together.
In the under 11 mixed pairs competition, Meadow Green Primary School’s (Wythall) Rose Waterhouse, seven, and Reuben’s brother Tobias Bishop, eight, were the youngest pair to qualify in the competition and they rose to the challenge to finish ranked in the top ten in the UK.
They were applauded for their synchronised routine, balances and showmanship and will be competing together again in the regionals during the next academic year.
The under 19 boys’ tumbling event concluded with another new national champion from the region as 16-year-old Corey Allen from Arden Academy in Knowle won gold for his top-scoring tumbling routine which consisted of double cartwheel, round off flick, back tuck and a double cartwheel, flick and pike back.
Woodrush High School was also represented at the national finals in the acrobatic section as competitors went up against tough competition and finished in the top 15.
Vicki Royston, of the West Midlands Amateur Gymnastics Association, said: “Congratulations to all the gymnasts taking part for an incredible standard of schools gymnastics.
“Two gymnasts scored the perfect score on vault and many, many gymnasts rose to the occasion and performed their best ever routines, of which, to be proud.
“Congratulations and thanks again to every single one of you.”
