Twenty five gymnasts proved that it will take more than a world pandemic to stop a gymnastics competition! The gymnasts aged between 7-15 years old won over 13 medals at the Jumpz nationwide virtual gymnastics competition at the weekend.
The gymnasts are all members of Olicana Gymnastics Club based at Ghyll Royd School. The club which has been established for over 10 years has over 400 members was forced to close at short notice on 20 March and like many remains closed until further notice.
Routines containing 10 gymnastic skills had to be put together and practised at home then filmed for the gymnastics competition. The videos were sent to the organisers to be judged and positions decided. Five gold, five silver and three bronze medals were achieved.
Club Owner and Head Coach Josette Cornish says:
“It has been difficult for our competitive gymnasts to go from 10 hours training a week to zero but we are managing to offer regular interactive online training sessions. The virtual competition has been a brilliant way for the children to stay motivated and focused. It has really given them a huge boost at what is a really unsettling time.
I could not be prouder of the hard work, diligence and determination demonstrated by all the gymnasts. They have all been absolutely brilliant!"
The club has also started offering online classes to it's recreational gymnasts until it can reopen later in the year.