News & Events

The first national medal was won in Newcastle. A team of gymnasts from The Academy in Portishead, entered the Bill Slater Cup in October. This prestigious event is the Great Britain junior team competition. Junior teams from all over the country were present, all trying to be crowned the Great Britain junior team of the year.

The girls put in fantastic clean performances on 3 pieces, unfortunately the balance beam proved to be the down fall. However, even with the unfortunate falls on beam, the girls managed to win team silver, missing out on gold by 0.55 marks. The gymnasts and coaches were ecstatic by their podium finish.

The team consisted of coach Nia Edwards and International coach Liz Kincaid, gymnasts included: Sophie Jameson, Ruby Harrold, Maddie Fry, Charlotte Bennett, Poppy Wynn, Lucy Brett and Maisie Dodds.

Next, major competition was the age group national finals in Guildford. Sophie Jameson and Lucy Brett were members of the South West team. The team started on bars where Lucy achieved the 5th highest mark of the day, battling with 60 other competitors. Beam was next where both gymnasts fell; clean somersault vaults were achieved and beautiful floors were executed. Sophie achieved the second highest score on floor, which aided the South West team to take bronze medals. Sophie finished in forth place in this competition but with scores combined with a competition held earlier this year, Sophie won individual bronze medal and is now ranked third throughout Great Britain.

The last National competition that the Academy entered this year was the National Challenge Cup held at Aldershot last week end. Gymnast, Maddie Fry exceeded all expectations and finished in third place, achieving the fourth highest score on bars and the sixth highest score on floor. 14 year old Maddie is now the Junior National challenge cup bronze medalist.