GYMNAST WINTER 2016
NILE WILSON & LENNOX LYNCH
WE CATCH UP WITH THE OLYMPIC MEDALLIST AND THE RISING YOUNG STAR
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CONTENTS 6 NILE WILSON & LENNOX LYNCH
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We caught up with City of Leeds Gym Club gymnasts Olympic bronze medallist Nile Wilson and eight year old Lennox Lynch
10 DANUSIA FRANCIS HOSTS GYMFUSION
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We talk to former British Champion, International gymnast and UCLA superstar Danusia Francis about hosting our GymFusion events!
14 ONES TO WATCH
We interview gymnasts Maisie Methuen and Alice Kinsella
19 DISABILITY AMBASSADORS
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Meet our newest ambassadors for Disability Gymnastics
24 OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
As we end 2016 on a high, take a look back at British Gymnastics in pictures Subscribe to our magazine
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Cover photo - Nile Wilson (Getty Images) All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without written permission of British Gymnastics. Identification and naming of individual gymnasts on printed photographs is determined by the information received and therefore cannot be guaranteed for accuracy.
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The views expressed by the individual contributors are not necessarily those of British Gymnastics. Equally the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not constitute endorsement by British Gymnastics of the products or services concerned. British Gymnastics is unable to recommend any product, guarantee that it is free of any banned substance or take any responsibility for any claims of effectiveness.
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FEATURE NILE WILSON & LENNOX LYNCH
FROM THE VERY BEGINNING TO THE BIGGEST STAGE OF ALL NILE WILSON & LENNOX LYNCH
From humble beginnings to achieving the ultimate accolade, we caught up with City of Leeds gymnasts Nile Wilson, Olympic bronze medallist on high bar, and Lennox Lynch who is just at the beginning of his gymnastics career.
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NILE WILSON & LENNOX LYNCH FEATURE
Q What age did you start gymnastics, and how Nile: I train at the gym 30 hours a week, over 6 days, as well as lots of time outside the gym old are you now? dedicated to recovery, nutrition and visualisation. Lennox: I started Gym Minis when I was two and I Q Lennox, when you are training in your club, am eight now. do the older gymnasts ever give you advice? Nile: I started when I was four years old and I’m Lennox: Yes and I like this because it helps me to now 20. The reason being I was a very clumsy child and I used to fall over my own shadow, so my do it better next time. parents took me along to learn some awareness. Nile: I love seeing the youngsters in the club. We high five each other, and I always say hello and Q What are your dreams in terms of ask if they’re enjoying themselves. I want to be gymnastics – what do you hope to achieve? part of putting a smile on their faces and helping Lennox: I want to keep working hard so that I can them progress. be the best gymnast that I can be, and hope to be good enough to be asked to join the GB Team, Q What’s your favourite apparatus, and why? and then one day to be in the Olympics. Lennox: I love the high bar and the vault, because I like the excitement of flying through the air. Q Nile, this must have also been your dream, tell us how long you wanted to be an Nile: I’d better say high bar, seeing as I’m the Olympian, and did it live up to expectations? 2016 Olympic bronze medallist and the 2016 European Champion! Nile: It’s something you dream about from when you’re a young boy, Lennox’s age really, watching Q Who is your inspiration? the Olympics at home. I absolutely loved gymnastics. It was my passion, so from a young Lennox: Nile Wilson, Ashley Watson, Max boy I’ve always thought about it. Did it live up to Whitlock, Kohei Uchimura and Oleg Verniaiev. my expectations? Far more, far further and it was Also the older boys at the gym as I see what they the best three weeks of my life. can do and want to be able to do it as well. Q How much time do you dedicate to Nile: I remember a key moment for me was gymnastics each week? watching the Athens Olympics and I watched a Russian gymnast on high bar called Alexei Nemov. Lennox: I train at the gym 15 hours a week I think he did five release and catch moves and the and usually do 20 minutes either stretching, most amazing dismount. I just remember I wanted conditioning, pommel or parallette practice to do that and it’s special now that I’ve gone to my before school. first Olympics and won a medal on high bar, I’d say that was a key moment.
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FEATURE NILE WILSON & LENNOX LYNCH
Q Nile how does it feel to know your achievements inspire so many young gymnasts such as Lennox? Nile: It’s such a good feeling. It makes you feel so proud. I was once one of those young gymnasts looking up and being inspired. To know that I’m now inspiring Lennox and others like him, giving them the belief that we’re one of the best in the world at gymnastics is fantastic. Q What’s the best thing about being a gymnast? Lennox: The amount of time I get to spend at the gym, doing something that I love, and the feeling that I get when I do something new right for the first time.
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Nile: You put in so much work, so much sacrifice, thousands and thousands of hours of training, healthy eating, missing parties, missing events and that can be tough. But you know, the dedication it takes, it’s all worth it in the end to achieve your dream and go to an Olympic Games. Q A final question for you Nile, how much does the support of the gymnastics community inspire you? Nile: It’s so inspirational the support that’s behind us. We couldn’t achieve what we’ve achieved without it. When the successes come, it just inspires and motivates us more to keep improving and keep bettering ourselves. The lead up to Tokyo is going to be really exciting.
NILE WILSON & LENNOX LYNCH FEATURE
THE BELIEF THAT WE’RE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD AT GYMNASTICS IS FANTASTIC - NILE WILSON
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FEATURE DANUSIA FRANCIS HOSTS GYMFUSION
DANUSIA FRANCIS
HOSTS GYMFUSION! Former British Champion, International gymnast and UCLA superstar Danusia Francis has been travelling around the country this year hosting some of our GymFusion events! GymFusion is a gymnastics event like no other. Whether you are a gymnast taking part, or a spectator in the crowd, GymFusion is a show-style festival that you just won’t want to miss. The events include exciting and creative performances from all ages and abilities across the vast range of disciplines within gymnastics. With six events set to take place in 2017 across England and Northern Ireland, we caught up with Danusia to find out about her experiences this year, her thoughts on the 2017 events and what she is up to now.
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DANUSIA FRANCIS HOSTS GYMFUSION FEATURE GymFusion 2016 in Stoke-on-Trent
much. It really brings out the fun and excitement of the sport. It’s all about having a good time.” Q You competed successfully for many years in the US collegiate system at UCLA which really promotes performance and team work. Why is performing and having fun so important in our sport?
Q Tell us about your experience so far presenting GymFusion and what has been the best moment so far? “It has been so great, I love seeing performances from all different age groups, abilities and disciplines all in one place. Both the venues I hosted were amazing too, and I’m sure it makes all the performers feel really special performing onstage at places like Guildhall and Regent Theatre. I couldn’t choose one best moment, but my favourite part is seeing the gymnasts enjoying the moment and being proud of themselves after their routines.” Q You competed at the highest level of the sport so what is it like seeing display gymnastics and why do you think people should get involved? “It’s amazing, gymnastics is such a fun sport and it’s easy to get caught up in the competition side of things and the pressure of everything can get too
“It is so important because most people start this sport because they found it fun and for me personally performing was always one of the things I looked forward to most. But when you have goals you can lose sight of the performance and be so caught up on scores and big tricks that you don’t end up performing at your best. At UCLA we take huge pride in performing on every event, it’s harder on vault and bars of course but there’s rarely a beam picture of me not smiling from my four years competing at UCLA. And as for floor our coach has us portray a character and we even have a challenge called Operation Peacock where we all do our floor dance in costume, it is always a memorable day!” Q At Heathrow GC, you did lots of great displays, especially at Christmas! What was your favourite display and what was it all about? “Heathrow Christmas display is like a West End show, we do two shows a day for up to a week usually around 10-12 shows and it’s usually pretty much sold out. The floor is covered with glitter, there are special spotlights put up in the gym and a curtain goes up. We go all out! My favourite would have to be ‘Skeletons’ our group had black cat suits with our faces covered and white skeleton bones on and they use UV lighting so you can only see the white bones, so we look like actual skeletons. And because you’re fully covered up no one can tell who is who so we really went all out adding in handshakes and funny moves here and there! They
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FEATURE DANUSIA FRANCIS HOSTS GYMFUSION
IF YOU LOVE GYMNASTICS, THEN THERE’S NO DOUBT YOU SHOULD ATTEND GYMFUSION IN 2017
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DANUSIA FRANCIS HOSTS GYMFUSION FEATURE
also use some of the younger girls as ghosts who fly around on rigs at the end! It was a lot of fun!” Q What are you doing now you have finished your gymnastics career? “Now I have finished my gymnastics career I am doing some hosting jobs (like GymFusion) and hoping to get into TV presenting! I have also been inspired by my gymnastics career to visit gym clubs and offer a beam clinic - how to compete/ perform and tips and tricks for mentally preparing for competitions, stretching, general coaching and choreography. Kind of based on what the gym wants from me, but I’m excited to help the next generation and feel like I have a lot to offer. I have already done a few here and in the U.S, so if you’re interested I can be reached at danusiafrancis@ hotmail.co.uk.” Q The new theme for 2017 GymFusion is Dreams, what comes to mind for you?
“Ooooh that’s a great theme! Dreams could be anything! I picture something supernatural, a lot of the performers this year were good at sports acrobatics so they could have their tops flying in their dreams, because everyone dreams of being able to fly right?! One group this year actually had a bed onstage and the performance was a nightmare circus so a nightmare like that could be a fun take on the dream theme. Or a dream performance with a re-enactment of GB’s success in Rio! I have loads of ideas, if you need help I’m here!” Q Why should people watch GymFusion 2017? “If you love gymnastics, then there’s no doubt you should attend GymFusion in 2017. But besides that just seeing young gymnasts having an amazing time performing a sport they love and it’s not a competition it’s a celebration of gymnastics and that’s what’s amazing! So come and join the celebration, you won’t be disappointed!”
FIND OUT HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
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FEATURE ONES TO WATCH
Thanks to International Gymnast Magazine
ONES TO WATCH
MAISIE METHUEN & ALICE KINSELLA The International Gymnast Magazine recently caught up with two of our young women’s gymnastics hopefuls who at 15 years old will be entering the senior ranks in 2017. Maisie Methuen from Phoenix Gymnastics Club who has trained at the Sport Wales National Centre since the age of 7 and Alice Kinsella from Birmingham, who trains at Park Wrekin School of Gymnastics and Dance, spoke about their experiences as juniors and their hopes for the years to come.
MEET MAISIE METHUEN Maisie, belated congratulations on your success in 2016, especially for winning the British junior championships and doing so well in Bern. What do you think contributed to what many consider your “break-out” international all-around performance, in Bern? “I was really lucky to have some great experiences in 2015, I competed at European Youth Olympics and Japan Junior Cups, so I really got a taste of what can happen if you work hard. I then decided to commit fully to the programme and decided to stay at the gym house in Cardiff 4 nights per week so I could train twice a day. This helped me with consolidating my routines for 2016, the British Championships was a real bonus as we have such a strong group of juniors but I hit all four events which on the day put me at the top.”
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Watching your vault and floor, you seem to be more comfortable performing forward skills versus backward skills. What is your view of this, and what plans do you have to add more (stronger) backward skills to your programme? “When I started at the national centre, I went there because I had a few issues going backwards at the club I started at, Tracey Skirton the national coach, just told me not to worry and don’t get stressed about it, so I did a slightly different programme for a while and focused on forward tumbling and forward vaulting, until I became confident. Now I work front and back and have just upgraded quite a few of my tumbles that I will be competing next season. It certainly worked for me as I was still able to progress in the gym when I was younger until my brain caught up with what my body was doing.”
ONES TO WATCH FEATURE
MAISIE
Having watched Rio in person, what were your strongest impressions of the competition, not only the British gymnasts’ performances but other gymnasts’ performances as well? “Rio was amazing and I am so thankful to British Gymnastics who sent me there to get an appetite for the Olympics. I have to be honest it was hard to not take your eyes off the USA, who just seem so on top of their routines. It was also interesting for me at the top 24, we sat directly behind Simone Biles family who were so nervous. It’s interesting to see what families have to go through as well, as you’re so in the zone when you compete but sitting there seeing what it meant to them was very inspiring. And to think that Amy is only a few years older than me and she got a medal was just fantastic.” 2017 will be a big jump for you, moving up to the senior ranks. With the British senior team
already so full of talent, what do you think you will need to do in order to earn a spot on the senior team for big competitions? “It will be really hard to make the team as our seniors are so good, but I just want to get into the senior national team and learn from them, and try my upgrades while there is less pressure on me. I also have a big year at school with GCSE exams so I want to try to balance it all as successfully as I can.” Finally, you seem so calm in competition. What is the key or secret to not only performing calmly, but mentally staying calm? “I may look calm but inside my heart is beating so fast, I just try to focus on the routine and not the result as if I try too hard to think about winning that’s when I make mistakes.”
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FEATURE ONES TO WATCH Left photo: Maisie at the 2014 Sainsbury’s School Games. Right photo: Alice at the 2016 Glasgow World Cup.
MEET ALICE KINSELLA Alice, belated congratulations on your great performances in 2016, especially your three medals in Bern. Your success in Bern came soon after you placed fourth all-around at the British junior championships, so how did you manage such a great finish in Bern with very little experience? “I think the motivation and determination I had was very important in my success, because if you do not believe in yourself you won’t succeed! I knew I was up with a chance of doing well as my routines were the best they had ever been. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my coaches Brett Ince and Christine Still, they believed in me and made me even more determined to do well.” In Bern you had problems on beam in the allaround final; what caused them, and how did you regroup to finish the all-around without letting beam discourage you?
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“The start of my routine – double spin, was not perfect and I had to work hard not to fall, this didn’t give me the best start which may have been the reason I was nervous for the rest however I wasn’t going to let that bother me. I knew even with a fall on beam I could still place high so when floor came along I gave the best performance I could which paid off and I gained 5th position. Even with a fall on beam I did well but I knew I could do even better!” It’s often difficult for junior gymnasts to maintain their stamina in a competition such as Europeans, where you had team, all-around and apparatus competitions. Yet in Bern you produced some of your best work in the beam and floor finals. Where did you get the energy and determination to perform so well on the last day? “I love competitions, so when the adrenaline and motivation kicked in I was ready to show the
ONES TO WATCH FEATURE
judges and audience the best routines I had. I had worked so hard towards them so when the scores came back the way they did I was so proud of myself. The fall in the all-around made me even more determined for the apparatus finals.” Looking ahead to 2017, what are some of the plans you have to upgrade your routines so they will be competitive at the senior level? “I am already working hard on advancing my routines and working hard on moves that suit my style and level best. I would say my routines have a lot of difficulty that will definitely get me noticed at senior level competitions. I am excited to show off my new moves as I’ve worked hard on them along with all of my coaches.”
You’ve contributed to the British junior programme so much; what do you hope or think you can contribute most as a senior next year and heading toward Tokyo 2020? “Teamwork is key and leadership is a very important role to play. I believe that if I support and work well with my teammates it will have a positive impact on the results, working well together leads to success! Also I am quite a unique gymnast. I love big tumbles and pushing boundaries which I am willing to do as I believe in myself and the support of other proves I can do it.”
ALICE
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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 people with disabilites 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. After introducing you to our first four Ambassadors in September, here we bring three more, all with their own story to tell. 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
ETHAN DAVIDSON AMBASSADOR Trampoline gymnast Ethan Davidson has been involved in gymnastics since he was just two years old. Now nine, he competed at the British Championships for the very first time in 2016 having come through our dedicated Disability Gymnastics pathway. After Ethan’s physiotherapist advised that gymnastics, and in particular trampolining, would benefit his health, it wasn’t long before Ethan visited his local club and became a member at Activ8 Trampoline Club, Ethan has had a completely inclusive experience with plenty of support from his coaches. The condition Ethan has is Cystic Fibrosis which can cause the lungs and digestive system to become clogged with thick, sticky musus which has an effect on both breathing and digestion. But thanks to the support from his coaches, and Ethan’s own enthusiasm for the sport, he has had a completely inclusive experience. “They have learnt about my condition and give me extra time to rest when I am struggling or tired; they remind me to take my medicine when I eat. If I am ill, my club are all there for me and the coaches even visit me in hospital. “I love being able to improve. It sometimes takes me longer than others but I get there in the end. I also love that it helps my Cystic Fibrosis!”
For Ethan, the next steps with his training include being able to land somersaults and learning how to do a ‘birani’, whilst dreaming that one day he will become a British Gymnastics Disability champion. He is passionate and determined to succeed in the sport, and also to encourage other disabled people to get involved so that there are more people to compete against. And his advice for anyone who is interested in gymnastics or trampolining is simple; give it a go… “Definitely do it! It makes you really happy as you make loads of new friends and have fun, whilst getting stronger and fitter which can only help with any disability.”
I LOVE BEING ABLE TO IMPROVE. IT SOMETIMES TAKES ME LONGER THAN OTHERS BUT I GET THERE IN THE END!
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FEATURE MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS
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MEET OUR DISABILITY GYMNASTICS AMBASSADORS FEATURE
ERIN MINTO AMBASSADOR A very springy and energetic 8-year-old, Erin was always flipping around the house and bouncing from room to room. Having tried swimming, Erin saw gymnastics on the TV and had some friends who were involved, so wanted to have a go. Her dad spoke to Erin’s school who were able to help find a club nearby; AAAsports, where Erin has now been doing gymnastics for just over a year. Erin says that she wanted to try gymnastics to learn how to do flips, but that there are also lots of other skills and apparatus, so there is something new that everyone can learn: “Gymnastics is so cool and you get to learn so many new things. It makes me feel really proud when I learn a new move. It’s also a great way to meet new friends, and the coaches are really nice and helpful.’ Erin is profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants on a day to day basis. She takes part in a mainstream gymnastics squad alongside nondisabled participants and is currently working on a routine for a competition, which she is really excited about, as it will have lots of new skills in it: “My coach always supports me and helps me to understand. I’ve learnt lots and I’m so happy I do gymnastics, and that I get to be in the squad as I love it. “My coach can communicate via British Sign Language but often we have to make up our own signs for some moves. We use lots of demonstrations in the gym to make sure I know what I should be doing even when I can’t hear instructions.”
Erin has always wanted to learn a back flip and says this is her favourite move to show friends and family! She’s now set her sights on medals and trophies at competitions, and she says she’d also like to be a coach when she is older. Erin is confident that other young people will love the sport as much as she does and would encourage them to have a go: “Don’t be scared, you can do it! If you try gymnastics, you’ll get the chance to learn new skills, meet new friends and even win trophies. The coaches are all really nice and help you to learn lots of new things that you didn’t even think you’d be able to.
GYMNASTICS IS SO COOL AND YOU GET TO LEARN SO MANY NEW THINGS. IT MAKES ME FEEL REALLY PROUD WHEN I LEARN A NEW MOVE “Anyone can do gymnastics, it doesn’t matter if you have a disability, and being deaf definitely doesn’t stop you from learning.”
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FEATURE OUR YEAR IN PICTURES
2016 OUR YEAR IN PICTURES
A LOOK BACK AT OUR BRITISH EVENTS
ARTISTIC BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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OUR YEAR IN PICTURES FEATURE
TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING & DMT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
ARTISTIC BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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FEATURE OUR YEAR IN PICTURES
ARTISTIC BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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OUR YEAR IN PICTURES FEATURE
TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING & DMT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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FEATURE OUR YEAR IN PICTURES
ARTISTIC BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING & DMT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS NATASHA COATES AT THE ARTISTIC BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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OUR YEAR IN PICTURES FEATURE
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS
GLASGOW WORLD CUP
DISABILITY BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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FEATURE OUR YEAR IN PICTURES
TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING & DMT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
GYM FOR LIFE GALA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AEROBIC GYMNASTICS
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OUR YEAR IN PICTURES FEATURE
BRITISH VETS
GYMFUSION
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS
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FEATURE OUR YEAR IN PICTURES
SCHOOL GAMES
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES - TEAMGYM
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OUR YEAR IN PICTURES FEATURE
GYM FOR LIFE GALA TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING & DMT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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CHAMPIONSHIPS OFFICIAL PROGRAMME 2016 36 | THE GYMNAST
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