Gymnasts tumble their way to medal success

Nine of the gymnasts have now qualified for the national semi-finals.

The championships were held in Hartlepool and 33 tumblers from Deerness competed against other gymnasts from the north to compete to represent the region at national level.

Gold medals winneers were Beth Watson, Tia Barrett, Cleo Watson and Quinn Young. Silver medals went to Laila English, Kate Marshall, Sophie Smith, Malachy Gavin and Elisha Yorke, while Mya Malthouse, Tia Kelly, Tom Reid and Nathan Wade were awarded bronze medals.

All nine gold and silver medallists will now go forward to the national NDP semi-finals in Birmingham in May, representing the North of England.

“Yet again our gymnasts have done themselves, their parents and the club proud,” said Glen Wharton, head of tumbling at Deerness Gymnastics Academy. “Congratulations to them all and especially those who qualified for the next stage of the competition. I’d also like to thank our coaches Mark Nesbitt and Emma Watson; and also two of our parents, Neale Davies and Wendy Aston, who represented the club as judges too.

“Last year the club won three silver medals at World championships and was best year yet for tumbling at Deerness Gymnastics Academy. It is a growing sport both nationally and here at Deerness. These development competitions are a great way for our gymnasts to gain experience and boost their confidence as they start out in tumbling and we wish them all the best of luck in the semi-finals.”