GYMNAST D I G I T A L
M A G A Z I N E
AUTUMN 2016
LUCIE COLEBECK
OUTSTANDING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR THE GYMNAST | 1
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IN THIS ISSUE CONTENTS
CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE...
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CARDIFF MET
VETS
Copyright © 2016 Published by British Gymnastics Cover photo - Lucie Colebeck (Alan Edwards)
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NATIONAL AWARDS
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LUCIE COLEBECK
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DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS
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INTERVIEW CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY GYMNASTICS As the new academic year begins many students across Britain will be putting their passion for gymnastics into practical use with a range of opportunities being offered at Universities and Colleges. Others meanwhile may be thinking about their next steps after school, wanting to continue gymnastics participation or looking to develop into areas such as sport coaching, physiotherapy or strength and conditioning. British Gymnastics has developed a strong working relationship within Higher Education, encouraging and enabling gymnasts to pursue their passion and also preparing the next generation of gymnastics leaders and coaches. We recently visited Cardiff Metropolitan University, one of our long established partners, to catch up with both students and staff to find out more about the possibilities to take a love of gymnastics through to Higher Education.
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CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW
FRANKIE JONES BSc Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage Second Year Student. Former GB and Welsh Rhythmic Gymnast, winning 6 medals for Wales at 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. “I decided I wanted to go to University before I finished competing as I knew I wanted to go into higher education. I’d always enjoyed the sports science area around my training in the run up to Glasgow 2014 and Cardiff Met presented the best option with a great mix of strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and sports science so the best of all worlds.
areas before I look to specialise. It’s great to explore a wide range of disciplines, so I know what suits me best. I’ve got a very practical base from my gymnastics career in a lot of these areas and it’s great to now learn the theory behind it. The facilities here are superb and it’s a great environment to learn in. I’ve got one year left and at the moment I’m also doing a lot of coaching which the course feeds into really well. “
I’m now studying Sport Conditioning, Rehab and Massage which is a snapshot of all the different
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INTERVIEW CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
SOPHIE BURTON & BECKY STRAKER PhD Biomechanics Research Students. Both Sophie and Becky’s projects are in formal collaboration with British Gymnastics, working with Neil Burton (Coach Education). The aim of these projects is to make coaching more effective and safe. Sophie: “As a former gymnast, the facilities and the reputation for gymnastics was a big factor in me coming here. For me, it has always been about doing something in gymnastics. Within the lectures gymnastics was also prominent and so it always suited me.
Biomechanics is basically the study of human movement, how joints relate with the muscular systems and the nervous system and how it all interacts to form human movement. At the moment, we’re working with a gymnast on the bars and collecting data using state of the art equipment to study the biomechanics of different moves and how we can better develop them to help aid coaching and also to minimise injury.
My PhD is looking at how to reduce injuries in landing, particularly with younger gymnasts and to know that my work can contribute to reducing the risk of injury feels really great.”
To see the incredible success of British Gymnastics at elite level across all disciplines is fantastic and to know that our studies can help feed in to the development of the next generation - the gymnasts coaches and governing body - is amazing.“
Becky: “I joined for similar reasons to Sophie, but also for the coaching opportunities at the University, and the lecturers who are leading researchers in their fields of study.
BECKY STRAKER
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SOPHIE BURTON
CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW
JOSH ODELL BSc Sport Coaching Graduate First Class Hons and Trampoline Gymnast. “I came here for its reputation for trampolining, I wanted to maintain my training at University as I love it so much. My degree is in Sport Coaching and I combine studying with training, which is a nice balance. Being a student here you can also take coaching awards through British Gymnastics and that allows me to coach both in the University and at local clubs. I have completed UKCC Level 1 and 2 in both Trampoline and General Gymnastics during my three years, all at a reduced cost (between 40-50% discount) and gained valuable coaching experience.
Whilst at Cardiff Met I’ve also competed in British University Championships, our men’s team have won gold for the past three years which has been very special to be part of. BUCS is a brilliant event that a lot of different Universities take part in, it’s competitive but fun and gives a real focus for our training” Students with the School of Sport at Cardiff Met have the opportunity to complete UKCC Level 1 and 2 in Trampoline and General Gymnastics while they study and at a 40/50% reduced cost.
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INTERVIEW CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
GARETH IRWIN Professor of Sports Biomechanics. “I was a former gymnast, competing at two Commonwealth Games and two World University Games going on to coach Welsh and British teams, so I’ve always had a gymnastics background. I did my PhD in the biomechanics of gymnastics, looking at the best ways of performing skills, and have been involved in Sports Science for around 17 years. I’ve worked on a range of research projects looking at specific skills and questions. Every coach wants to better understand technique and the best ways of working with individuals and biomechanics can support that. We can help identify skills that suit a certain performer or vice versa. We can help make coaching more
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objective and help coaches make decisions based on an understanding of the best pathway for an individual. The other side to our work is biomechanics research. The students at Cardiff Met benefit from courses that are research driven, as the lecturers are experts in the area. Biomechanics can be maths driven and can put people off so we work to make it useable, help people understand how it works and most importantly how it can benefit coaches working in the field. We work with the International Federations and have a close relationship with British Gymnastics which is a strong pull for students who see us contributing to the development of the sport.”
CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW
JAKE BAILEY Sport Coaching Principal Lecturer. “There is a long standing relationship between Cardiff Met and British Gymnastics. I began doing some voluntary work on the trampoline coach education panel, and when the opportunity came to work on tutor training I became a National Trainer. I’ve worked with British Gymnastics to create the Level 3 Theory Programme, taking a lot of the knowledge and research from our work at Cardiff Met and applying it to British Gymnastics coach education. Cardiff Met has two British Gymnastics accredited course tutors on the staff so students can gain British Gymnastics qualifications at a fraction of the cost and as part of their degree (Trampoline and General Gymnastics). For British Gymnastics the benefits are having world class research inform their coach education pathways.
ZAINUB AKBAR 19 year old GB Youth Trampoline Gymnast. “I started trampolining at the age of four, my dad used to take me around all the different leisure centres in Cardiff, so I did loads of different sports and activities, like swimming, tennis, gymnastics, trampolining. I continued with trampolining and gymnastics, and I’ve been doing it ever since at the Academy here at Cardiff Met.
In terms of trampoline performance, we have a programme that means all students have the opportunity to be part of our trampoline community. The junior academy is open to those outside of the University to help develop gymnasts including Zainab Akbar. I feel very proud to work here and help develop the next generation of gymnasts, coaches and experts“
I train in the National Indoor Athletics Centre, five days a week, from Monday to Friday. I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without Cardiff Met, because the training facilities and coaching are so good here. There’s definitely the support available here to allow people to achieve in the sport. Cardiff Met has been really fundamental in my career.”
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INTERVIEW CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY The Cardiff School of Sport at Cardiff Metropolitan University welcomes students from all backgrounds. You will join a vibrant sport and recreation community which includes over 2000 students studying across 11 undergraduate and 9 postgraduate taught programmes. The School has excellent links to industry with many of our staff and alumni involved in the sport of gymnastics. Apart from Gareth Irwin and Jake Bailey who are featured in the article others involved include - Melissa Anderson and Elizabeth Lewis who are respectively Managing Director and Director of Valleys Gymnastics
Academy (Nominated British Gymnastics Club of the Year 2016); Mark Samuels is the Coaching Qualifications Co-ordinator and Nicola Bolton is Director of British Gymnastics and British Gymnastics Foundation; and current student and British Rhythmic Gymnastics champion Laura Halford. There are many alumni also working in the sector including the development team of Welsh Gymnastics, Bev Smith who is a Director and Jo Coombs who is Head of Performance and Excellence at Welsh Gymnastics. To find out more and plan your future, visit: www.cardiffmet. ac.uk.
BRITISH GYMNASTICS & HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS British Gymnastics continues to develop relationships with a range of Higher Education institutions, encouraging and enabling the next generation of gymnastics leaders and coaches to develop. The British Gymnastics Student Enrichment Programme supports Universities to increase opportunities within gymnastics. Encouraging more students to participate in the sport is the programme’s main focus, which is
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achieved by recruiting volunteer Student Officers to promote all of the opportunities available for their fellow students to engage with. Training is provided for these Student Officers to develop their leadership skills which they put into practice throughout the academic year as part of this programme. For more information contact, participation@british-gymnastics.org.
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FEATURE LUCIE COLEBECK
“OUTSTANDING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD” LUCIE COLEBECK IN HER OWN WORDS… “I train at Pinewood Gymnastics Club located in Wokingham and I live in Binfield approximately ten minutes away from the club. I train 15 hours a week consisting of tumbling training, trampoline/fast track training and strength and conditioning training. A typical session for me includes track training for about an hour and a half, then either fast track or trampoline training (or maybe both) and strength training at the end. Tumbling is such an explosive sport. One of the reasons I love it is because every minor detail can make the most dramatic difference in your routine. In my eyes, every little thing matters. Another reason is it being a combination of speed, power and elegance all in one. When
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you see someone perform a routine in which they just float around in the air, I believe it looks extremely elegant. My gymnastics inspirations from since I was 11 to now have always been Anna Korobeynikova and Samantha Palmer (who was also coached by my personal coach). I believe these two tumbling gymnasts to be living legends and people I have always looked up to. My biggest supporters are definitely my parents - my mum has only ever missed one competition in my whole career, she is truly my number one fan. My dad was the one who picked me up from training when I was younger and he was the one who witnessed me coming out the gym in tears after having a bad session. He always knew exactly what to say and how to make me
Lucie at the 2016 Trampoline, Tumbling and DMT British Championships.
LUCIE COLEBECK FEATURE
feel better. Some days he didn’t even need to say anything, he just gave me a pat on the back and I knew it’d be okay. Recently I had a major issue with twisting elements; this almost ruined me and nearly caused me to finish my career. New training programmes were made, a lot of them didn’t work and we had to keep changing them. Even though it was unbelievably hard to train through something like that, it was the best thing I’ve done. It caused so much stress in and out of the gym but I came to realise that the more I stressed about it the worse it got. My best advice would to be stop trying to control the situation, let it happen. It’s like a dark rain cloud, you’ve got to let it pass and you’ll soon see the sun again! I felt totally blessed and honoured to have received the Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award in a non-Olympic discipline, at this year’s British Gymnastics Awards. To be recognised for all my hard work put into 2015 is such a great feeling and I am extremely thankful for everyone involved in that year. They were a tremendous help physically and mentally whilst training with the mental block. Going forward I hope to compete at the World Games in 2017 and do at least two more World Championships. I’ve dreamt of becoming a Cirque Du Soleil performer since I was a little girl. However, as a later career I pictured myself as a police officer, so that is something I am looking into. If I didn’t do tumbling, I would like to think I would either be in diving or some sort of athletic event. I was a keen swimmer from the age of four. When I was nine they advised me to take up diving or
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FEATURE LUCIE COLEBECK
gymnastics and that’s when I made the move to tumbling.
the track on that pass and thinking to myself ‘do it for all those people who’ve helped me in the past couple of months, do it for yourself.’ The Superstitions are always something that people emotion after I had landed it was incredible, I ask about and my reply is always the same. There honestly thought the block was going to be the are way too many for me to write down! They’re way I had to end my career and for me to have something everyone has whether it be minor or that feeling of loving tumbling again, not just major. being there because you’re having to train for a competition, was a huge sigh of relief. I hated My favourite memory in my career so far has the fact I wasn’t enjoying my sport but when I probably got to be the 2015 individual final at the did that routine and I landed it and looked at the World Championships. Purely because that was play back of it, it was like all the late nights, early an awful year for me training wise and to perform mornings of extra training, all those tears and the twisting skill I was unable to do made me arguments were all worth it!” think ‘I’ve still got it’. I remember stepping onto
Lucie at the 2016 Trampoline, Tumbling and DMT British Championships.
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LUCIE COLEBECK FEATURE
TUMBLING IS SUCH AN EXPLOSIVE SPORT. ONE OF THE REASONS I LOVE IT IS BECAUSE EVERY MINOR DETAIL CAN MAKE THE MOST DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE IN YOUR ROUTINE
WATCH LUCIE IN ACTION HERE
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FEATURE LUCIE COLEBECK
Lucie with Eddie Van Hoof at the 2016 National Awards night after winning the ‘Outstanding athlete of the year’ award.
LUCIE COLEBECK FACTS BORN: 1996 HOMETOWN: BINFIELD, BERKSHIRE CLUB: PINEWOOD COACH: VLADIMIR PODOBIN 2015 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INDIVIDUAL SILVER 2016 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP INDIVIDUAL SILVER
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FEATURE THE 2016 BRITISH VETS
THE 2016 BRITISH VETS INTRODUCING LIEUTENANT WELLER AND HIS GANG By Vera Atkinson The atmosphere at the King George VI Hall and the Princess Royal Hall at Lilleshall National Sports Centre over the weekend 6th and 7th August 2016 was electrifying with genuine enthusiasm and joy. This year’s British Vets was also a record breaking event in terms of participation. It saw representatives of 33 clubs with 269 gymnasts taking part. One of the most interesting features of the competition turned out to be the newcomers from the Royal Navy Gym Club, who won team victories in the men’s artistic and the tumbling events along with a bulk of individual gold, silver and bronze medals.
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Looking at the queue of gymnasts waiting for their turn to warm-up on the tumble track you could hardly tell that the humble tall blond man in the end of it was actually a “sea wolf”. Lieutenant Jamie Weller joined the ranks of the Royal Navy 11 years ago but has always managed to keep his passion burning for gymnastics. Jamie is the Chairman of the Royal Navy Gym Team and the British Schools Gymnastics Association and brought the RNGT squad of eight gymnasts who competed in trampoline, tumbling and artistic gymnastics and won medals in all of them. How this 30-year old man manages to juggle these responsibilities given the fact that he may have to take off to the sea for months when called on a mission is truly amazing.
THE 2016 BRITISH VETS FEATURE
Lieutenant Weller was one of the key people who helped put together the Royal Navy Gymnastics Team, drawing people from all areas of service – from people who have competed frivolously in gymnastics - to newcomers. Currently the club has around 50 members - 70 % of them men and 30% women. They all come from various parts of the country, from Scotland to Davenport and Plymouth to Portsmouth, where their training base is and where they enjoy the help of experienced gymnastics coaches.
So yes, it is very challenging to combine our profession with our passion for gymnastics but here we are - we are competing in this Championships for the first time as a team. Before this competition some of our people have already gone through the regional competitions, but they have consequently been called on a mission and unfortunately had to miss the event. Other people were brought to the team. As you can imagine, everybody in the military has a certain standard of physical fitness anyway, so when we are at sea we try to maintain some As Jamie explains: “Being in the Royal Navy means qualities by basic stretching and exercise and one could be deployed at anytime, anywhere, when we are back on land we return to the and for a long time! It happens often that the apparatus”, explains Lieutenant Weller. members of the club can’t have proper training for several months- the warships are not the best place for gymnastics training.
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FEATURE THE 2016 BRITISH VETS
Where did the inspiration to compose a team at the Royal Navy come from? “It came from the London Olympics in 2012. I was quite lucky to be one of the people who carried flags for the Award Ceremonies. I was, in fact also in charge of the medal ceremonies for Gymnastics, Trampoline and Basketball at The O2 Arena. I was there to raise the flags for Louis Smith, Max Whitlock, Beth Tweddle and the men’s team. It was a great experience for me. Obviously I had a background in gymnastics, and to have to raise the flag four times in London was an enormous honour for me. Before the final parts of the competitions at The O2 the other members of our Ceremonial Team used to come to me, expecting me to give them a clue as to who will win and which countries’ flags should be made ready for the ceremony. We used to have a bet whether I was right or wrong about the choice of the flags.” Were you close to the actual results then? “Yes, pretty much so... but more importantly, my London 2012 experience brought me back to gymnastics. I stopped training when I snapped my achilles in 2010 but these Veteran Championships are now my third. It is a little bit scarier now when you are trying to perform what you used to do, but the satisfaction and the feeling of actually doing it are enormous! gymnastics is a passion; once you have tasted it- it is with you for life. What our team has managed to achieve in such a short space of time is a real credit to the hard work and determination of each and every individual. The weekend at Lilleshall was an amazing success for the Royal Navy Team, the atmosphere and organisation of the event made it a truly memorable occasion and we have already started to think about what we will be competing next year!” Lieutenant Jamie Weller, Chief Petty Officer Keith McCormick, Able Seaman Adam Starovla, Marine Daniel Bennett
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THE 2016 BRITISH VETS FEATURE
MAG Novice Over 30
TRA Women’s Novice Over 18
1st - Aaron Wilding
1st - Alison Barrett
2nd - Keith McCormick TUM Men’s Novice MAG Pro Over 30
1st - Aaron Wilding
Jamie Weller
2nd - Daniel Bennett
TRA Men’s Novice Over 30
TUM Men’s Pro
1st - Jamie Weller
3rd - Jamie Weller
3rd - Daniel Bennett TUM Women’s Novice TRA Men’s Pro Over 18
2nd - Alison Barrett
2nd - Adam Starovla Where they finished in performance.
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FEATURE SPRING INTO ACTION
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ACROBATIC AND ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS TRAMPOLINE – TUMBLING For more information on our audition calendar and post-competitive career opportunities: CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM/JOBS FACEBOOK.COM/CIRQUEDUSOLEILCASTING
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Cirque du Soleil is a trademark owned by Cirque du Soleil and used under license. Photo: Laurence Labat Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi © 2016 Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil ® is seeking new talent for its current shows and upcoming creations.
FEATURE THE NATIONAL AWARDS
The achievements of some of the most inspirational people in the gymnastics community were celebrated recently at the stunning Athena in Leicester. From our outstanding elite gymnasts proudly taking medals on the world stage to the passionate workforce and volunteers dedicated to delivering our sport, the 7th British Gymnastics National Awards ceremony was a fantastic celebration of gymnastics. Congratulations go to all of our nominees and winners.
YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD The Young Volunteer Award is presented to an individual between the ages of 14 and 19 years old who has shown commitment and dedication to the sport, volunteering their time to help others enjoy gymnastics. Nominees: Abbie Ridley, Hannah Mellon, Kira Taiwo Winner: Kira Taiwo Kira volunteers at both competitions and within her own club and has done so for a number of years, taking on the roles of young leader, coach, judge, marshall, medal bearer and competition presenter to name just a few.
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Kira said: “Winning this award was a pleasant surprise! Volunteering is such an important part of the gymnastics communities and I am glad to be part of it!�
THE NATIONAL AWARDS FEATURE
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
EDUCATION AWARD
This award is to recognise a volunteer whose contribution to their club or region is seen as invaluable and their efforts are instrumental in the work behind the scenes. Their role is seen as vital and without them the club or region would not be the same.
This award recognises an organisation or individual who has played a crucial role in providing excellence in delivery of coach education.
Nominees: Alec Davies, Debra Cavill, Sonny Rhind Winner: Debra Cavill Llanelli Gymnastics Club has been Debra’s second home for a number of years, hugely increasing the number of coaches, as well as being a coach, committee member and fundraiser. She has also been named Welsh Gymnastics Volunteer of the Year.
Nominees: Christopher Short, Judy Wootton, Sinead Connolly Winner: Christopher Short Christopher has been a leading figure for TeamGym with trips all over the UK in the last 12 months, where he has tutored, assessed, coached and advised, planning and expertly delivering each course to ensure a high quality experience for those taking part. He said afterwards: “Unexpected!! Hopefully this award will put TeamGym further up the chart!!”
Debra said: “I am overwhelmed to receive this award and I would like to thank the Welsh Gymnastics for nominating me; my club for supporting me and my family for understanding my love for my chosen sport. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart!”
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FEATURE THE NATIONAL AWARDS
NATIONAL SAFEGUARDING AWARD
NATIONAL CLUB AWARD
This award recognises an individual who has delivered a committed and enthusiastic service to the welfare and safeguarding of children within the gymnastics environment. Winner: Christine Cason
This award recognises a club which shows a commitment and passion for gymnastics. Providing quality and enjoyable experience to their members, through developing innovative ways to grow and improve the club. These clubs deliver British Gymnastics programmes and initiatives.
Whilst being the Regional Welfare Officer for London for over 10 years, Christine has ensured the needs of children, young people and vulnerable adults have been safeguarded and considered at the front of every issue. In doing so, she has changed the attitude and perception of the welfare officer role within clubs and in her region. Christine said: “I was not expecting this award! I am honoured and grateful for being recognised for my contribution to safeguarding on behalf of British Gymnastics. I have been a welfare officer for 12 years and London Regional Welfare Officer for 4 years. I have worked in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults for 17 years and I truly enjoy my role and responsibilities”.
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Nominees: Blandford Forum Gymnastics Club, Club GymFUN, Valleys Gymnastics Academy Winner: Blandford Forum Gymnastics Club Following a building restructure and refurbishment, Blandford continues to go from strength to strength. A huge increase in participation numbers has coincided with multiple new sessions being added to the timetable, community open days, offering support for other local clubs and continued development for current members. Helen Banett-More/ Peter Legg from the club said: “We were so proud and excited to be nominated and to win now is like the icing on the cake. What an amazing evening! Thank you BG! We feel so proud to be part of British Gymnastics!”
THE NATIONAL AWARDS FEATURE
NATIONAL INCLUSIVE GYMNASTICS AWARD This award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm to the development of gymnastics for disabled people through the delivery of an inclusive gymnastics programme. Nominees: Angela Turner, Heather Sargent, Waveney Gymnastics Club Winner: Heather Sargent Heather’s tireless efforts have enabled more people than ever with disabilities to participate in trampoline gymnastics in Cardiff. As well as over 200 children and adults now taking part in weekly classes, she has also helped children achieve success at British level. Rhian Gibson, CEO Welsh Gymnastics:“Fully deserved award for Heather whose tireless efforts and work have given the chance to hundreds of disabled kids to enjoy the benefits and the fun of gymnastics!”
FRANK EDMONDS TROPHY This award is dedicated to the late Frank Edmonds OBE, a former gymnast who represented Great Britain at the 1948 Olympic Games and was President of the Association from 1969 to 1989. This award is presented to individuals, who, as volunteers, have gone ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ for gymnastics. Winner: John Beeton John has dedicated more than 50 years to trampolining with his commitment, energy, support and belief unwavering throughout. Highly regarded throughout the world of trampoline, John has an incredible knowledge of the sports history. An FIG judge, a head of department and a team manager taking many teams abroad are just a few of the roles John has undertaken over the years. John said: “It is a totally out of the blue surprise for me to receive this precious award! I have been volunteering for Scottish and then for British Gymnastics for many, many years, not expecting anything in return and to get this award is totally unbelievable! Also, I feel privileged to be the first trampolinist to receive it! Amazing!”
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FEATURE THE NATIONAL AWARDS
ALEX STRACHAN TROPHY This award is dedicated to the late Alex Strachan, Vice-President of the Association and Chairman of the Executive Committee from 1991-1997. The award recognises service to British Gymnastics “above and beyond the call of duty” by members of British Gymnastics staff. Winner: Ann Parry
Club South Essex and British Gymnastics our achievements in the recent years and particularly in Rio would not have been possible. British Gymnastics is a fantastic organisation and I feel honoured and privileged to represent its coaching community!” Melanie commented: “This award was quite a surprise for me. It is a great honour to receive it! I am proud with my gymnasts who were selected to show-case Acrobatic Gymnastics at the Olympic Gala in Rio. We are also thrilled that our sport is included in the Youth Olympic Games, so we shall all continue to work tirelessly and keep our motivation to improve”.
OUTSTANDING COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD This award recognises an individual from the British Gymnastics High Performance programmes who has produced outstanding international results through their athletes in the last year. This year two awards will be given acknowledging the “Outstanding Coach of the Year”, one in an Olympic discipline and one in a non-Olympic discipline. Winners: Scott Hann and Melanie Sanders Scott Hann: “I don’t feel any different than any other coach in British Gymnastics and I am very grateful for being awarded as the Outstanding Coach of Year award. Without the support of my
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THE JOHN ATKINSON AWARD This award recognises any athlete who achieves World Champion status in either an individual or team event. Winner: Max Whitlock
AWARD OF MERIT This award is presented to those individuals who have provided an outstanding service to both British Gymnastics and the gymnastics community for a minimum of seven years.
THE NATIONAL AWARDS FEATURE
Winners: Tracy Hurwood, Jan Wills, Tammy Curtis, Bradley Thompson, Carol Bailey, Emma de Vos, (Not pictured) Sue Morgan, Linda Thomas, Catherine Bates
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FEATURE THE NATIONAL AWARDS
NIK STUART HONORARY LIFE MEMBER This Honorary Life Member Award is dedicated to the late Nik Stuart MBE, former European Silver medallist and nine times British Men’s Champion. This award recognises outstanding service to Briths Gymnastics and gymnastics at a National level for a minimum of ten years. Winners: Barry McLaughlin, Keith Richardson, Iris Critchley, Keith Brewer, Mike Weinstock, Mike Hull, Anita Carty
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THE NATIONAL AWARDS FEATURE
HONORARY LIFE VICE PRESIDENT This award recognises outstanding service to the Board of British Gymnastics. Winner: Alan Sommerville OBE “To be awarded an Honorary Life Vice Presidency, I feel deeply honoured and humbled and would like to express my sincere thanks to the Board, all the staff, volunteers and members.
OUTSTANDING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD This award recognises an individual from the British Gymnastics High Performance programmes who has produced outstanding International results in the last year. This year two awards will be given acknowledging the “Outstanding Athlete of the Year”, one in an Olympic discipline and one in a non-Olympic discipline.
I was inspired by Nik Stuart MBE, who first brought me into the sport and whose personality, humour and exceptional performance skills set an example for all aspiring coaches, and also by John Atkinson MBE, who as Technical Director, dared to dream that British gymnasts could be world class. I would also like to say a special thanks to my dear wife Hilary, for her constant and unwavering support and encouragement.”
Winners: Max Whitlock and Lucie Colebeck Max Whitlock: “It’s an absolute honour for me to win the Athlete of the Year and John Atkinson awards. Thank you very much to everyone involved. It’s been a very long journey to get to this point. The whole team have done an incredible job and to be recognised is an amazing feeling.”
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FEATURE THE NATIONAL AWARDS
OLYMPIC CONTRIBUTION AWARDS AWARDED TO CLUBS WITH A 2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES GYMNAST Men’s Artistic: Huntingdon Gymnastics Club (Louis Smith MBE), South Essex Gymnastics Club (Max Whitlock & Brinn Bevan), Earls Gymnastics Club (Kristian Thomas), Leeds Gymnastics Club (Nile Wilson) Women’s Artistic: The Academy (Ruby Harrold), South Durham Gymnastics Club (Amy Tinkler), Notts Gymnastics Academy (Becky Downie & Ellie Downie), Bristol Hawks Gymnastics Club (Claudia Fragapane) Trampoline: Apollo Trampoline Club (Kat Driscoll), Sheffield Trampoline Academy (Bryony Page), OLGA Poole (Nathan Bailey)
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THE NATIONAL AWARDS FEATURE
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CHAMPIONSHIPS OFFICIAL PROGRAMME 2016 36 | THE GYMNAST
MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS FEATURE
MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS British Gymnastics is world renowned and recognised by the International Gymnastics Federation for our disability gymnastics programme that ensures gymnastics is adapted to suit the needs of each gymnast. Since the launch of the I’M IN programme over three years ago, an increasing number of gymnastics clubs have committed to developing inclusive opportunities. Within our gymnastics community, we now have more than 200 clubs offering specific Disability Gymnastics sessions, with many more ensuring that their mainstream offer is inclusive and accessible for all. To support this effort and to inspire more disabled people to get involved in our sport, we want to showcase the opportunities that exist for everyone in gymnastics, from recreational, grassroots gymnastics up to elite levels.
Our Disability Gymnastics Ambassadors will enable us to do just that – they want to share their story within our sport and encourage others to give it a try. The Ambassadors speak about their experience in gymnastics, what they have achieved and what they love about it. They tell other disabled people how inclusive they have found gymnastics to be, in clubs up and down the country. Our Ambassadors show that disability is not a barrier, and they act as inspiring role models within Disability Gymnastics.
MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS….
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FEATURE MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS
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MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS FEATURE
ALEX BUESNEL AMBASSADOR Aged just 24 years old, Alex Buesnel has achieved an incredible amount in men’s artistic Disability Gymnastics. At Jersey Special Gymnastics Club, Alex’s coaches have been able to provide him with any additional support that he needed to take part in gymnastics, as he has Autism. For Alex, there have been no barriers. He is the current British Champion, having won the title for a record ninth consecutive time in September 2016!
Olympics, World and European Games and has been recognised in Jersey on multiple occasions, including being selected as an Olympic torch bearer in 2012.
Having started out 12 years ago due to an aptitude for balancing and tumbling, Alex soon realised the positive effects the sport could have.
Alex’s father, Gary, is extremely proud of his son’s achievements through gymnastics: “I can honestly say gymnastics has turned Alex into the outgoing, compassionate young man he is today.”
“There’s the discipline needed to be the best. The fitness, strength & determination to achieve the highest level in Disability Gymnastics.” “On a personal level gymnastics has helped me to overcome many hurdles within my disability; it has given me independence to travel away from home with both my club and coaches.” “It provides an opportunity to participate in a sport where you will not be made to feel inadequate. You can compete at a level appropriate to your ability and it is a way of keeping fit.” Solely mentioning Alex’s British titles would do him a disservice. As well as those nine British titles, he has won gold medals at the Special
His dedication to the sport doesn’t stop there. As a qualified level 2 gymnastics coach, Alex enjoys coaching on Jersey, naming his ability to support the younger members at his club as one of his greatest achievements to date.
“He has overcome many hurdles with his disability but his achievements have been phenomenal and are down to his sheer hard work, determination and dedication. He is a role model for the younger members at his club and a true ambassador for disability sport.”
GYMNASTICS HAS HELPED ME TO OVERCOME MANY HURDLES WITHIN MY DISABILITY
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FEATURE MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS
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MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS FEATURE
TIRI HUGHES AMBASSADOR As an 11 year-old, Tiri liked sport, wanted to be active and was keen to find an activity she enjoyed and could succeed at. Tiri has visual impairment which means she has some usable vision in one eye but no usable vision in the other. She explains that in the past, she struggled with contact and ball sports, but always loved gymnastics and wanted to give it a try. Tiri went along to her local gymnastics club and 7 years later she hasn’t looked back, being involved in trampolining, acrobatic and artistic gymnastics within that time. “I enjoy the variety of gymnastics - no two s essions are the same! I love the feeling of achieving a new skill which I’ve been working towards, especially when it’s been tricky to get! I also enjoy the social side; the family feeling you get in a gymnastics club.”
from end to end. I have some physical disabilities which mean I need to take regular rest breaks, especially between repetitive strengthening exercises, but my club have always supported me to do that without separating me from other gymnasts.” With plenty of support from her club, Tiri has achieved a great deal of success within gymnastics. Tiri has 4 British Disability Gymnastics Championships medals to her name, also travelling around the country to take part in smaller competitions. One of her greatest moments though, has been travelling to South Africa as a Disability Gymnastics Ambassador, supporting clubs there to offer more opportunities for disabled children.
I LOVE THE FEELING OF ACHIEVING A NEW SKILL WHICH I’VE BEEN WORKING TOWARDS
Tiri’s gymnastics clubs have always supported her to take part, adapting activities and helping her to find solutions to suit her needs. “I can’t see the vault from the end of the run-up, or the beam when I’m stood on it. We get around this by counting the number of steps I need in my vault run and memorising the distance of the beam
There’s no doubt that Tiri is passionate about gymnastics, and the fantastic opportunities it has given her. “Anyone can do gymnastics, regardless of ability or disability. There is always something, or some type of gymnastics which you can take part in, as long as you are enthusiastic, committed and enjoy it!”
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FEATURE MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS
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MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS FEATURE
SKYE SWINTON AMBASSADOR At the age of 3, Skye’s mum took her to her to Rowan Gymnastics Club to try Pre-school Gymnastics and to try out some of their fantastic equipment. It was the first sport that Skye had tried, with her doctor recommending exercise as part of her physiotherapy. Four years later she has moved into the junior class and now takes part in recreational gymnastics classes week in, week out. “Gymnastics is so much fun. I have lots of friends within my club and it helps me to get stronger. When I find things hard, my coaches help me. They make sure I’m included in all of the class activities; adapting exercises slightly if I’m finding them hard.” Within Rowan Gymnastics Club’s recreational classes, there are a number of opportunities for all gymnasts to progress, compete and perform. “My club runs a recreational gymnastics competition each year which I’ve taken part in and I’ve also enjoyed entering our local festival for disabled gymnasts and trampolinists. I’ve won a total of 4 gold medals and a bronze and am also proud to have earned my first 2 British Gymnastics’ Core Proficiency Awards (numbers 8 and 7).”
Skye continues to excel within gymnastics and proves that disability is not a barrier to taking part, but her success won’t stop there! She’s ambitious and determined to continue to improve. Skye’s goals are to be able to balance on a beam without anyone holding her and one day would like to be able to do the splits. Confident that there are opportunities for everyone of every ability to succeed within gymnastics, Skye’s advice to other disabled people is that “it might be a bit tricky at first, but you will get better. Don’t let a disability hold you back, just try your best as it is great fun!”
GYMNASTICS IS SO MUCH FUN. I HAVE LOTS OF FRIENDS WITHIN MY CLUB AND IT HELPS ME TO GET STRONGER
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FEATURE MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS
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MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS FEATURE
NATASHA COATES AMBASSADOR 21 year old Natasha Coates fell in love with gymnastics at the age of 8, when she tried it for the first time at a local Leisure Centre. Now part of the Wire Gymnastics Club, Natasha has a huge haul of Disability Gymnastics medals to her name and was named Sport England Pride of Sport’s Disabled Sportsperson of the Year in 2015. “The biggest high of my career was taking part in my first artistic Disability Gymnastics British Championships.” “I just wanted to go, do my best and show off the skills that I had been practicing in the gym but I had no idea what to expect. I came away with the gold on all 4 apparatus as well as the allaround title for my category which was a complete dream come true!”
She experiences complete numbness in her fingers and toes, or sometimes her arms and legs, so just needs to learn things in a different way. “I train alongside mainstream gymnasts so I’m coached in the same way as everyone else, but my coach adapts things slightly. I run to warm-up, like most gymnasts, but I just have to make sure that I don’t breathe too fast or too slowly, in order to maintain a healthy breathing rate and keep my oxygen levels up.”
I’M REALLY KEEN TO INSPIRE PEOPLE, PEOPLE WHO MAYBE THOUGHT THAT THEY COULDN’T, THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
For Natasha, a supporting club who can understand her needs and support her to take part is really important. Natasha has Mast Cell Disorder which means that a number of triggers can put her at risk of anaphylactic shock; whether that be sweat, heat or the smell of some foods and chemicals.
Through gymnastics, Natasha has met people who understand her needs, and says she has made life-long friends. “We always talk and give each other advice when times are tough. It’s so nice to train with other people who just get it straight away.”
“Disability Gymnastics is a fantastic sport and I would recommend it to anyone. There are so many opportunities for disabled gymnasts of every level; it is such an inclusive sport. I’m really keen to inspire people who maybe thought that they couldn’t, that anything is possible!”
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WHAT’S COMING UP NOVEMBER ACROBATIC CLUB TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS 12 - 13 November 2016 | Fenton Manor, Stoke-on-Trent
DECEMBER MEN’S & WOMEN’S ESPOIR BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS 02 - 04 December 2016 | Basildon
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VOLUME 55 ISSUE 3 EDITOR Tim Peake tim.peake@british-gymnastics.org
FEATURES EDITOR Olivia Howard olivia.howard@british-gymnastics.org
CONTRIBUTOR Vera Atkinson vera.atkinson@british-gymnastics.org
DESIGN Karen Uppal Mark Young & Jemma Bishop
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