Southbourne get sizzling start to gymnastics season

The Wendy Lewis club championships saw more than 100 take part. The gymnasts took part in teams so youngsters from all classes and levels could mix.

Wendy Lewis’ parents, Sue and John, came to support the competition as they do every year. Wendy’s son Barnaby came this year for the first time and did a great job presenting the medals.

Many of the club’s gymnasts competed at the Naomi Stamp Memorial competition and won seven gold, nine silver and four bronze medals. Many have moved up a level this year and were competing for the first time at the higher level.

In the advanced 10-11 age group Freya Chandler won silvers on floor and beam and gold overall. Chloe Wileman came third on vault and Caitlyn Odin third on bars.

Megan Ward finished seventh on floor with a new routine and Tilly Leeming came fifth on beam. Laura Hayes came 17th in the group of more than 30 gymnasts.

In the advanced 12-14 group, Taylor Sycamore came second on Vault and Lindsey Hart, who competed in this age group despite being only 11, came fifth on Vault.

At the bronze 12-14 competition Dani Thorn won bronze on floor and silver on bars and came third overall. Abby Moss came second on vault and beam, first on bars and first overall. Rebecca Wilson got bronze for beam and Jade Bailey gold on vault and silver on beam.

The silver 15+ event was the highest level of the competition and Becky Durham won silvers on vault and beam, golds on floor and bars and came second overall.

All the gymnasts have been working hard and this has been reflected in great results at the start of the season.

With at least two competitions each month between now and the summer, their continued high level of work in the gym should continue to be reflected.