Feature

Ruby is a world class gymnast

With a passion and dedication for gymnastics the future looks bright for Ruby

‘It still doesn’t feel real’ — Plymouth gymnast Ruby Stacey exceeds her own expectations in her first gymnastics world championship at the age of 16. Ruby, who has trained at Plymouth Swallows School of Gymnastics since she was three-years-old, qualified 16th at the 2021 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Japan. But during the final she scored a personal best and improved to finish 15th in the world. ‘I am over the moon with my routines and my scores,’ said Ruby. ‘My aim was to enjoy the experience and do my best so I’m really pleased I exceeded expectations.’ Ruby competed on all four pieces of equipment in qualification to place in the top 24 to qualify through to the all around final. Starting on beam on both days, which Ruby said was the most ‘nerve-racking’ piece, she held her nerve and managed to go clean (no falls) scoring 12.0. The floor was next, where on qualification day she

stepped out on the fl oor and lost a 0.3 but ‘nailed that tumble’ in the fi nal and scored a solid 12.4. The vault, which is where she hopes to upgrade in the future, went well and she scored an impressive 13.5. Last event was bars, which is her favourite. Gaining bonus points for linking all her skills, Ruby caught her release and catch well and even fi nished with a good dismount, which meant she received a personal best on bars with a 13.433. ‘It felt amazing to compete for Great Britain, there was no pressure going into the championships which I think helped,’ she said. ‘I just soaked it all up and enjoyed being back out there in a big competition arena and with an audience again. I really enjoyed the whole experience, being away with the GB team, making new friends and soaking up the whole atmosphere. ‘It still doesn’t feel real, I keep thinking just “wow, I really came 15th in the world at my fi rst ever major international”. I can’t wait to get back in the gym work on some upgrades and then get back out there and do more events in the future. The commonwealths, Euros and worlds are all next year so I really hope I get to do one of those.’

Her coach Jemma Maskell said that Ruby instantly stood out with a beaming smile and non-stop energy. ‘She gained her fi rst national squad selection at aged 12, which is quite late in gymnastics. It was around this time Ruby decided she had big dreams for her gymnastics career and really upped her work ethic and form to match these. ‘For me, as a coach, I am so pleased Ruby has shown the world what she is capable of. ‘She was her usual composed, classy, confi dent self out in Japan and it’s lovely to see that all our hard work has paid off . ‘She’s certainly shown the GB team that she can handle the pressure of major events — in fact she did so with the biggest smile on her face throughout. I think if the last two years has taught us anything it is to appreciate every opportunity that arises, soak it up and simply enjoy it.’ “ I really enjoyed the whole experience, being Jemma added: ‘Ruby has been an absolute pleasure to teach throughout her time with us.’ away with the GB team, making new friends and Ruby was a former pupil at Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School and is now a student at soaking up the whole Tavistock College where she atmosphere ” studies double PE alongside training full time. Jemma and Ruby thanked the college for supporting Ruby’s training and competition schedule and celebrating her hard work and success over the years. n international”. I can’t wait to get back in the gym work

Born for gymnastics with non-stop energy

A natural talent from the age of 3, Ruby started her road to the world championships in Swallow’s preschool classes and had a passion for gymnastics from day one, progressing through competition squads quickly over the years.