British Acrobatic Gymnastics Blog

SPELBOUND THROUGH TO THE BGT FINALS

2010-06-01T19:28:00.000Z

Spelbound cast their magic over the judges and viewers at home to win the first live semi-final.

The gymnasts from Middlesex created a Cirque-esque performance with a demonstration of skills from trios, pairs and the world-medalist mens four.

Remember to vote for them on Saturday and make sure acrobatic gymnastics gets the coverage it needs.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO OF THE LIVE SEMI FINAL

Spelbound Put Acro In The Limelight

2010-04-25T20:59:00.003Z

Spelbound, otherwise known as Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics put the sport in the limelight and wowed the judges and audience on epiosde two of this year's Britains Got Talent.

Simon Cowell said: "It was like watching a master race" and added: "I have never seen anything like that in my life.I thought that, once again, we were going to get some really boring gymnastics display but that was very clever - really, really smart."

It is an amazing advert for acrobatics gymnastics as a sport and the european and world medalists in the group illustrate the stregnth of GBR. Make sure you vote for them...

Watch them here...

Selection Policy for World Championships 2010

2010-03-31T13:23:00.000Z

British Gymnastics have made the Selection Policy for the World Championships 2010, Poland availible for download on their website.

Click HERE to view and download them.

Watch this space for more information on the 22nd World Championships in Wroclaw (POL)

13th – 19th July 2010

British Championships 2010: Report

2010-03-30T12:58:00.000Z

This year’s Acrobatic Gymnastics British Championships saw over 250 gymnasts from 28 clubs across the country compete at Fenton Manor for the title of British Champion. The high standard of gymnastics on display in recent years, made the 15 titles even harder to gain in 2010.

For the first time ever, the competition didn’t include tumbling in the programme, and the new layout created a more intimate feel to the arena. However, many people missed the excitement of two disciplines in the arena, and will be looking forward to going to the Birmingham Indoor Arena in July to see the tumbling British Championships.

Following the European Championships in Portugal and ahead of this year’s World Championships in the summer lots of new routines were on display, from partnerships old and new. Spelthorne Gymnastics, from the South East, alone had over 27 new routines and four new partnerships on the floor. With so much change, it was always set to be an exciting weekend.

Since the introduction of the Age Group Events, this was the largest entry to date to take place in the British Championships. This competition alone had over 100 competitors, some of which stood out from the crowd, highlighting the talent coming through for the future.

The Womens Pair title was won by Spelthorne’s Georgia Lancaster and Megan Garraghan, despite them being in third place after the tempo routines, proving how close the two-day competition can be. Oxford trio of Groves, Brookes and Clempson fought off competition from 22 other 11-16 Womens Groups to take this year’s gold medal, closely followed by South Tyneside in silver and King Edmund in bronze, which demonstrates the spread of medals across the country, a sight which is becoming more common on the podiums every year.

Connor Bartlett and Millie Spalding, Age Group mixed pair from Harefield in the London region shone in their category, winning both routines and taking the gold overall by nearly two whole marks. As for the boys, the ever-growing popularity of mens groups in Great Britain meant the judges and audience were treated to a fantastic display of acrobatics from the young partnerships. The four from Spelthorne, Sewell, Cowler, Wood and Tognelli, coached by senior mens four base Adam McAssey, won the gold medal after two immaculate routines, polished and finished off with stunning leotards. These four are definitely ones to watch for the future. Their team mates (and one brother!), Sewell and Watts, had to settle for silver in the Age Group Mens Pairs, as Child and Underdown from King Edmund beat them in the final routine by 0.05, after being joint first after dynamic. One of the closest podiums from the entire weekend.

The junior (12-19) competition was smaller than in recent years, with partnerships either moving up to the senior competition or having to train out-of-age until they can move on. European medallists, Jasmine Danby and Chelsea Fisher from Deerness gave the audience a special treat with their energetic combined routine, winning them the National title and gold medal, with the new partnership of Baker and Bigmore from Spelthorne taking silver and the Wakefield pair in third. The second title up for grabs was for the highly-fought after Junior Womens Groups. After fantastic performances from a large proportion of the gymnasts, many of whom are now very experienced, was won by new partnership, Kristie Harrington, Louise Lee and Madeleine Gamblin from South Tyneside. The silver and bronze medals were taken by Spelthorne trios, jointly scoring 28.600, and split by their execution score alone. The Junior Mixed Pair title is now in the hands of Kim Hunter and her new partner, Christopher Cranfield from Spelthorne. A sign of another successful partnership for Kim who won gold with her previous mixed pair partner at the World Championships in 2008. The silver was taken by Wakefield and bronze by Hale and Davies from Oxford in the South. There were no Junior Mens Groups in this year’s competition, the final title of the day was given to Alex Houston and Timothy Pritchard from Deerness Valley, who beat the Spelthorne Men’s Pair, Rodgers and Wood, who had to settle for Silver.

The Senior British Championships have become a display of world class acrobatics over recent years, and this competition was no exception. The senior gymnasts competing at this year’s British have over 50 years experience between them and for many of these partnerships this was to be their last British, adding to the anticipation.

Senior Women’s Group, Blacklock, Thompson and Birch from Harefield Gymnastics Academy proved to be the strongest trio on the day, winning all three routines, taking the gold medal and the coveted national title for the first time. Only one Women’s Pair, newly formed partnership of Ashton Butler and Dannie Hailstone, from South Tyneside competed after the retirement of Thorne and Grehan, and with other partnerships ‘guesting’ until next year. Mixed Pair, Nicolas Illingworth and Katie Axten and Men’s Pair, Doug Fordyce and Edward Upcott, both from Spelthorne, demonstrated their experience and entertained the audience to take the titles in their respective disciplines. Three Senior Mens Groups battled it out for the British crown, with jaw-dropping skills across the board, the final result saw the seasoned four from Spelthorne, Adam McAssey, Adam Buckingham, Alex Uttley and Jonathan Stranks take the title, with the ever-improving groups from Wakefield and Deerness Valley, hot on their heels.

The veteran audience filled Fenton Manor all weekend, with VIP guests adding to the atmosphere. For the well respected Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Director and National Coach, Matei Todorov, this was his final British Championships, and after 22 years in charge of Acrobatics in Great Britain, he has seen his fair share of stunning performances and this competition was no exception.

“My job is getting harder and harder every competition because of the very high standard across the board.” He added. “Selection for the World Championships is going to be really hard.”

“It’s been a wonderful 22-year adventure. A journey that’s been sometimes challenging, different but never ever dull, I am able to take so many great memories away.”

Adding to the memories of the last year, presentations were made to a selection of Great Britain squad gymnasts for their success internationally over the last twelve months. Those that brought medals back from World Games and European Championships, from clubs up and down the country were applauded and congratulated on their successes.

Overall, a fantastic weekend and a real show of the depth of talent in all disciplines, and the perfect end to a successful era of acrobatic gymnastics in Great Britain.

First Day Medals from Euros

2009-10-01T18:56:00.006Z

The Junior competition held it's first day of finals today.

Mens Four,Richard HURST,Dorian WALKER,Stephen RAINE, Jesse HESKETT from Deerness Valley are now European Balance Champions, taking the gold medal in the competition ahead of Russia and Ukraine in 3rd place.

The Womens Pair,Jasmine DANBY and Chelsea FISHER, also from Deerness Valley took the Bronze medal in the Balance finals, behind Russia in silver (the two pairs were tied and seperated on execution scores) and the new European Balance Champions, Belarus.

The extremly close womens group Dynamic competition, with all 8 scoring above 28.000 with the winners scoring 28.450. There were three ties in the final, and the close competition saw the junior womens group Leighanne COWLER, Lauren KEMP and Hollianne WOOD from Spelthorne finish in 5th place, with a score of 28.150.

Good luck to everyone in tomorrows qualification and finals.

Watch the European Championships

2009-10-01T18:50:00.004Z

The Europeans are being streamed live on the Official Blog of the competition....

Watch them here http://www.euroacro2009.blogspot.com/

Good luck GB.

European Championships 2009

2009-09-30T21:47:00.003Z

The 11-16 Age Group competition has been completed and Great Britain have even more international success to shout about winning two gold and three silver medals in the European Age Games competition.

The mixed pair Christopher Longley and Alice Upcott of Spelthorne, and the Women’s Trio Maddy Gamblin, Kath Spence and Kirstie Harrington of South Tyneside took the Gold’s.

The Men’s four from Deerness Valley- Jack Pendlington, Conrad Dempsey, Liam Sneath, and Angus Martin, the Women's pair from South Tyneside - Ashton Butler and Contance Moscrop and the Men’s pair from Deerness- Alex Houston and Timothy Pritchard, all took Silver

Videos of the routines, along with the performances from Russia, and other countries can be veiwed on YouTube...

http://www.youtube.com/arnodiender

Lets hope the Juniors and Seniors can repeat the success as their competition gets underway tomorrow (Thursday)

British Championships 2009

2009-04-24T08:33:00.002Z

This year’s British Championships were always going to be a fascinating one, following the retirement of some of the country’s top acrobats after the World Championships and the debuts of new partnerships from all corners of the country. Over 270 gymnasts representing 26 clubs took part over the course of the weekend, which also doubled up as a control event for selection to the Great Britain teams that will represent the country at the European Championships later in the year.

Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics won seven out of the 15 British titles in the Senior, Junior and Age group levels in Acrobatic Gymnastics at this year’s competition. Five of the Acrobatic titles went to Deerness Valley, two to South Tyneside and one to King Edmund. Harefield Gymnastics Academy, Saltney, Oxford, Wakefield, Horsham, Heathrow, Wigan and Norwich also celebrated medallists in the various categories, providing very tough challenges to the champions.
The event was the more polished and smoothly-run than ever before, with electronic scoring the same as at international events and the big screen updating scores instantly for the audience, with a live leader board. BGtv also had an increased presence at the competition and plasma screens in the warm-up area allowed competitors and coaches keep up-to-date on the competition from the backroom.

The city of Stoke-on-Trent also used the event to launch their ‘green paper’ for Sport and Physical Activities and the competition welcomed a whole host of VIP guests and speakers to promote it. Rumours were also whispered around the warm up room, hotels and audience about the current ‘Number 10’ petition circulating to promote Acrobatic Gymnasts and Tumbling as an Olympic Sport.

11-16 Age Group
The popularity and standard of this year’s Age Group competition demonstrated the ever-growing popularity of the discipline and the continuing high standard of acrobatic gymnastics in Great Britain. This year there was no final for the event, and both the Balance and Dynamic routine counted towards a combined score which would decide the medal positions. It was going to be tough.

In Womens Pairs, defending British Champions, Abigail Ralph and Amy McKenzie from Spelthorne had to fight of tough competition if they were to retain their title. After two routines they were pushed right out of the medal positions after South Tyneside pair Butler and Moscrop scored a combined 56.750 for their clean and impressive routines. Ralph and McKenzie’s team mates, Geogria Sturt and Megan Garraghan took the silver medal and Wakefield’s 11-16 pair, Sykes and Whitfield took the bronze with a score of 55.450. After such a close competition and with so many high-quality partnerships, the control competitions for international events are sure to be exciting.

The quality of the 11-16 Mixed pairs was extremely high, and with no defending champions it made for another tough competition. Spelthorne, continued their domination of mixed pairs through all age groups, with Christopher Longley and Alice Upcott taking the gold medal with a score of 56.250, way ahead of everyone else. Deerness Valley Gym Club partnership - Maxwell and Thomson took silver with 53.800 and the youngest competitors in the acrobatic competition, Connor Bartlett and Millie Spalding, aged just 11 and 10 years old, from Harefield Gymnastics Academy in the London region took the bronze medal.

It was Deerness Valley versus King Edmund in the Mens Pair competition, after two routines, defending British Champions GB squad members, Houston and Pritchard from Deerness took gold, with a score of 56.800 with May and Underdown from King Edmund taking Silver for their routines.

The record number of entries to this year’s 11-16 Womens Group categories, and the departure of the 2008 British Champions to Junior, made the competition all the more exciting. The competition ended with joint first and joint third places, and only 0.8 separating them, making it even closer than the Womens Pairs. The unusual podium places were shared between Deerness Valley and South Tyneside in gold and Oxford and Wakefield taking bronze. Spelthorne trio - Bigmore, Lancaster, Regan, were unable to match the success of their predecessors in the group, but are sure to challenge the top four in the future. Trios from local club, South Staffs Acrobatics and from King Edmund also looked like they could push for medals in the future.

Three 11-16 Mens groups battled it out and the final results saw Deerness Valley ahead of King Edmund in another men’s event, with Dempsey, Martin, Pendlington, Sneath taking gold. The bronze medal went to Saltney’s boys, Booth, Hanley, Scott, Yue. The increasing amount of boys involved in Acrobatic Gymnastics is great for the development of the sport in the country.

Junior 12-19
With over 30 partnerships taking part in the 12-19 Age Group, and amongst them World Champions, World medallists and defending British Champions, as well as champions from 11-16 moving up to junior, it was always going to be a strong competition in all categories.
Both new and returning partnerships made up the Womens pairs competition at this year’s British, with last year’s Champions Thorne and Grehan now at senior level, the title was anyone’s. Johnstone and Lee, from South Tyneside, who missed out on a World Championship finals place last October were back looking stronger and more polished, but had to settle for silver behind Deerness Valley’s Danby and Fisher who took gold with a score of 28.400. The bronze medal went to new partnership, Ely and Walduck from Heathrow in the London region.

With current World and British Champions, Joshua Simpson and Kim Hunter competing in the mixed pair category, they were certainly the ones to beat. However, with immaculate routines and a score of 28.530, for combined, they were able to retain their British title and show why they are World Champions with gorgeous choreography and an impressive variety of skills. Horsham Gymnastics Club’s partnership – Cranfield and Stewart-Croker were close behind in the silver medal position with a score of 28.010 and Oxford’s Hale and Davies took the bronze.
The ever-expanding force of Spelthorne was also felt in the junior trio’s with 11-16 trio World Silver medallists, Burgon, Matthews, Seabourne now joining team mates Cowler, Kemp, Wood in the junior age group. The two Spelthorne partnerships took the Gold and Silver medals after two very clean and excellently performed combined routines, with the older partnership eventually taking Gold. Deerness Valley scored 27.710 to win bronze in the popular trio competition. All three medallists can expect tough competition later in the year, when trios from Harefield, Wakefield and King Edmund are back on form after a few mistakes were made this weekend.

Robert Chambers and Gareth Wood, World 11-16 Age Group silver medallists from Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics made their impact on the junior mens pair competition by taking the gold medal with a score of 27.750 ahead of partnerships from Horsham in the South East and Wakefield.
Like in the 11-16 Age Group, the mens group competition was a battle between Deerness Valley and King Edmund. Defending British Champions, Bates, Llewellyn, Wilmott, Wright from King Edmund eventually had to settle for silver after a slightly refined version of the junior mens group who represented Great Britain at last year’s world championships, Heskett, Hurst, Raine, Walker, from Deerness Valley took the gold medal. Deerness Valley, now hold two of the three mens group British titles.

Senior Championships
The senior competition is always a highly anticipated one, with the high level of balance and dynamic skills impressing both the audience and the younger gymnasts. This year’s competition was awash with new faces, following the retirement of many and new partnerships being formed after the World Championships last autumn. Although Spelthorne continue to dominate the majority of the senior categories, including Mens Groups, Mixed and Men pairs, all their partnerships are new.

Last year’s Junior Women’s pair World Silver medallists and British Champions, from King Edmund in the South West, Maiken Thorne and Mollie Grehan, have moved to senior this year and showed an abundance of potential ahead of the coming internationals, with strong dynamic and balance skills in all their routines, taking the Gold medal with 26.920 awarded for their combined offering.

There has been a change of clubs and partnerships for the Mixed and Women’s pairs. After the World Championships, Sarah Cameron (former mixed pair top) and Elizabeth Oliver (former women’s pair base) retired leaving their partners, Katie Axten and Nicholas Illingworth free agents. Nicolas has now moved from Wakefield to Spelthorne and they have combined to form the only mixed pair in the senior competition. The two very experienced gymnasts are definitely one to watch out for at this year’s Europeans, already performing a difficult full-twist re-catch and double arabian to wrap, double tucked overhead sequence to open their combined routine.
World Mens Pair bronze medallist and British Champion, Edward Upcott also made his British debut with new base Doug Fordyce, a former Age Group mixed pair World Champion, after Mark Fyson retired earlier this year. Despite only being together ten weeks the men are beginning to look great together, gel as a partnership and are improving at a fast rate. They are sure to be strong competitors in Portugal later this year.

Following the retirement of the Emily Grove, Casey Morrison and Vicky Lamkin, the senior Womens Group from Spelthorne, and no senior trio from Spelthorne, the battle was really on between the six now in the group. Amongst them, experienced bases from Harefield Gymnastics Academy in the London Region, Grace Blacklock and Claire-Louise Thompson, who represented the country at the World Championships in 2006 and 2008, made their first outing with new top, Robyn Birch, and despite a few minor wobbles, show great potential ahead of the coming trials and international competitions. This year’s British title and gold medal however went to the well-polished trio from South Tyneside. Richardson, Slater, Young scored 27.250 to take the title and performed a clean routine with strong skills displayed throughout, including a three high column with top planche. Third place went to the women from Wigan Seaguls.

The ever-popular Mens Group from Spelthorne in the South East region, also debuted their new top, Jonathan Stranks, former junior mens pair British Champion. Despite only being together a couple of months, World bronze medallists and defending British Champions, (plus new top!) are already clocking up an impressive amount of difficulty, with Stranks showing why he was chosen as Sturt’s replacement, with his one-arm flag combination on stack and impressive range of dynamic skills. A notable score of 28.706 was awarded by the judges for Buckingham, McAssey, Stranks, Uttley’s near-perfect combined routine.

The event as a whole continued to demonstrate the strength and depth of talent in acrobatic gymnastics in the country and a full audience throughout the weekend highlighted the popularity on both Acrobatic and tumbling gymnastics. Another successful British Championships wrapped up, and the start of what could be the most exciting year ever in acrobatics.

GET ACRO IN THE OLYMPICS

2009-03-26T12:28:00.002Z

Please take the time to add your name to the petition heading to Number 10 to get Acrobatic and Tumbling Gymnastics in the Olympic Games.

Http://petitions.number10.gov.UK/tumbling-2012/

All your signitures count.

Lets make our elite althetes Olympians - they deserve it.

The country need to see how many medals this disapline could win Team GB....

Bristol International 2009

2009-02-25T15:33:00.003Z

The Bristol International competition has become a popular international club competition and this year’s event, held between 20th and 22nd of February at Yate Leisure Centre, was no exception.

Twelve clubs took part in the two-day event with international representatives from Russia, Germany, Holland and Switzerland. Many clubs from across Britain also took part, including; Spelthorne, Wakefield, Harefield, Oxford, Southampton and hosts, King Edmunds. There were several gymnasts who represented Great Britain at the 2008 World Championships in Glasgow competing with their new partnerships for the first time, and the Russian mixed pair, Maslakova and Kiselev, returned to our shores, now as juniors. With the new code being implemented for the first time and only four weeks until the British Championships, it was a perfect opportunity for many to debut new skills and perfect their routines before the domestic competition in March.

11-16 AGE GROUP
The 11-16 Age Group competition was very popular, with over 60 gymnasts competing over the weekend. The finals on Sunday proved to be a tough competition across many of the categories.
In the womens Groups, Oxford took the gold medal with an impressive score of 28.333. Wakefield trio of Lee, Laycock and Mallas looked well prepared and solid in their skills, and scored 27.733 for their effort. Hosts, King Edmund took the bronze medal, scoring 27.633, making the top three a very tight competition. The popularity of the 11-16 age group will make for a good selection of clubs competing at the British Championships next month.
There were only two mixed pairs competing, and only one eligible for medal (Harefield pair, Bartlett and Spalding were competing as guests), but it didn’t affect the standard of performance. Christopher Longley and Alice Upcott – younger sister of GB squad member Eddy Upcott- impressed the judges with their range of elements and elegant choreography, scoring 27.993. Looking strong like strong contenders ahead of the British, Connor Bartlett and Millie Spalding gave the judges a taste of the level of competition standard to expect in the age group mixed pair competition, scoring a respectable 27.700 for their balance routine.
The womens pairs was an extremely popular competition, and produced some exception performances in Yate. Wakefield are really beginning to make their presence felt in the category, with a beautiful performance from Beth Sykes and Zoe Whitfield which earned them a technical score of 9.30, artistry score of 9.17 and the gold medal, with an overall score of 28.467. The rest of the pack weren’t far behind the Wakefield girls. Oxford took the silver medal, with Evans and Patrick less than 0.3 behind the gold medal winners with a score of 28.167 Abigail Ralph and Amy McKenzie from Spelthorne were even closer, with just 0.034 separating second and third place.
In men’s pairs, the hosts’ boys battled it out for gold and silver, with the cheeky performance of James May and Jake Underdown taking the top place, with Child and Smith coming second with a score of 25.10, after a few wobbles. The 11-16 Mens Group, also from King Edmunds gave a great performance, for both the audience and judges.

JUNIORS 12-19 AGE GROUP
In the 12-19 (junior) competition it was a chance for some who have recently made the transition from 11-16 to demonstrate their new skills. In mixed pairs the Russian’s, who competed but didn’t medal in the 11-16 Age Group in Glasgow, had the chance to make up for it by trying their luck against current junior World Champions, Josh Simpson and Kim Hunter from Spelthorne. This time luck seemed to be on their side. Simpson and Hunter made an uncharacteristic mistake on cut through to handstand in their combined routine, capping their score at 27.300, whilst the Russian pair impressed the judges with their original choreography and skills, including a impressive rodochlar to one arm, one and a half tucked dismount, scoring them 28.367, just ahead of the world champions. The other mixed pair from Spelthorne, Webster and Tate took the bronze medal.
In the women’s groups two very strong trios from Spelthorne took gold and silver after they both performed high-quality routines. The 11-16 World Age games silver medallists, Burgon, Matthews and Seabourne have made the transition to junior very well indeed, challenging their team mates, Cowler, Kemp and Wood with a routine of similar standards, and equally entertaining to watch. World Champion mixed pair top, Shanie-Redd Thorne was competing for King Edmunds as a base of a trio with former World champion mixed pair top, Shelley Evans and Michaela Jones, and with a score of 26.533 the experienced group took the bronze.
There was only one men’s group competing in the 12-19 age group. Wright, Wilmott, Llwellyn and Bates scored 25.817 with the judges and impressed the audience. They four also further highlight the strength of the men’s partnerships coming from King Edmunds this year, and the ever-growing popularity of men’s groups in Britain.

SENIORS
The senior competition was relatively small in comparison with the Age Groups, with many new partnerships on the horizon, but still taking time to finalise their new skills and polish their routines ahead of the British and trials later in the year. There was also the absence of the bronze-medal winning Mens Group (with new top, Jonathan Stranks), much to the disappointment of the audience. There were two new partnerships from Harefield Gymnastics Academy in the London region competing as guests. Grace Blacklock and Claire-Louise Thompson, who finished 9th in Glasgow in October attended, performing their combined routine with new top Robyn Birch. With the Harefield trio not able to medal as guests Southampton trio, sisters Kirsty and Kelly Warren and their top, Sophie Allison were up against Dutch TV stars. Van Duuren, Diender and Luka appeared on Hollands Got Talent last year and in Yate this weekend took the gold medal with a score of 26.501.
World junior women’s group silver medal winning top, Katy Smith also debuted her new partnership, as the top of a senior mixed pair with Luke Frizoni, performing a near-perfect double straight in their combined routine. They weren’t the only mixed pair competing for the first time in new partnerships. The truly world-class combination of Nicholas Illingworth (formerly senior mixed pair with Sarah Cameron) and Katie Axten (previously senior women’s pair with Elizabeth Oliver) showed their newly formed partnership off in style with strong routines all round, again highlighting the strength of the new Spelthorne partnerships. Illingworth and Axten scored 28.100 for their combined routine, taking the gold medal ahead of partnerships from Southampton Gymnastics and Holland. Whilst Frizoni and Smith weren’t eligible for medals they too impressed the judges with their already high-level skills after just a month together. In womens pairs, World junior silver medallists, Maiken Thorne and Mollie Grehan also moved to the senior category and are showing great potential in their field. The pair took the 28.400 for their balance routine despite Mollie being injured. Another new Spelthorne partnership taking to the floor, post-world championships was in the Mens Pairs competition. Senior world bronze medallist, Edward Upcott and his new base, Doug Fordyce also showed great promise together, already scoring a respectable 26.627 for their new combined routine.

All in all, it should make for a very interesting weekend in Fenton next month.

Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics

2009-01-20T13:52:00.003Z

For over two decades Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics, based in Ashford, Middlesex, have dominated acrobatic gymnastics in Great Britain and internationally.

The Club, initially formed by Bob Cooper in 1986 as part of Spelthorne Gymnastics Club and since then have continued to go from strength to strength. They now train in a facility near to Brooklands College in Ashford.

Head coach, and former mixed pair World Champion, Neil Griffiths and his coaching team continue to produce world class acrobats and the club boasts over 200 gold medals at National & International events, 8 of which are World Titles.

At the 2008 World Championships, Spelthorne took home 2 senior Bronze medals, and the team silver medal and in the Junior and 11-16 age groups, they won 2 silver medals and now have the junior mixed pair world champions, Joshua Simpson and Kimberley Hunter.

Click HERE to visit their website and find out more.

or HERE to watch videos of some of Spelthorne's gymnasts in action at last year's World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships.

(RIGHT: Joshua and Kimbery - Junior World Champions
ABOVE: Adam, Alex, Adam and Sam - Senior Bronze medalists 2008)

GBR Age Groups Training Days

2009-01-19T13:55:00.001Z

A short video from the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Age Games competition training days, highlighting some of the best junior talent in the world.

GBR Senior Womens Group @ Worlds

2009-01-19T13:38:00.002Z

Grace Blacklock, Claire-Louise Thompson and Hannah Feeney performing their dynamic routine at the Acrobatic World Championships in Glasgow 2008.

The girls, from Harefield Gymnastics Academy, representing GBR finished 9th overall.

Harefield Gymnastics Academy

2009-01-19T13:34:00.003Z

A video of Harefield Gymnasts performing at the Harlequins Center in north west London to raise money to send their two womens groups to the World Championships in October 2008.

The junior womens group of Ciara, Sophie and Katie came home with a silver medal and the senior womens group of Grace, Claire and Hannah are now 9th in the World.

Find out more about Harefield Gymnastics Academy www.harefieldgymnastics.com

5th WORLD AGE GAMES RESULTS....12-19 (junior)

2008-10-08T08:49:00.002Z

Yet more glory for the British Team in the 12-19 Finals, bringing the total Age-Group medal haul to 8 from 10 events!

Women's Pair – Silver

Women's Group – Silver

Mixed Pair – Gold and World Title

3 GOLD, 4 SILVER AND 1 BRONZE FOR BRITAIN!!

For full results go to http://www.baga.co.uk/

5th WORLD AGE GAME RESULTS....11-16

2008-10-08T08:47:00.001Z

A fantastic weekend for British Gymnastics - taking home 8/10 possible medals...

Great Britain confirmed their strength in the 11-16 age group, by winning medals in ALL categories, including two World titles, in Mixed Pairs and Men's Groups.

Women's Pair – Bronze
Women's Group – Silver
Mixed Pair – Gold and World Title
Men's Pair – Silver
Men's Group – Gold and World Title

World Age Games - Day One Qualifications ROUND UP

2008-10-03T20:32:00.003Z

After a full day of 11-16 and 12-19 qualifications, GBR are proving themselves to be a strong squad and contenders for medals in all disapines.

Here are where the GBR squad are placed after one routine:

11-16 Age Group

MP -
1 GBR 1 - Houston, Pritchard 9.50 9.10 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.600
3 GBR 2 - Chambers, Wood 9.30 9.00 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.300

MG -
1 RUS - Kirichenko, Korostin, Kozlov, 9.35 8.75 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.100
2 GBR - Bell, Dean, Evison, Stockport 9.35 8.55 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.900

MxP -
1 GBR - Mitchell, Thorne 9.25 9.05 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.300
2 RUS - Kiselev, Maslakova 9.45 9.15 10.000 (0.5) 0.50 28.100

WG -
1 RUS - Emelyanova, Fazlyeva, Islamova 9.45 9.15 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.600
2 GBR - Burgon, Matthews, Seabourne 9.30 8.85 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.150

WP -
= 15 GBR - Cook, Stephens 8.90 8.75 10.000 (0.5) 1.20 26.450

12-19 (Junior) Age Group

MP -
1 RUS - Bryzgalov, Shakhov 9.65 9.15 10.000 (113.0) 0.00 28.800
2 GBR - Durbidge, Stranks 9.50 9.10 10.000 (114.0) 0.00 28.600

MG -
1 UKR 1 - Hnatyuk, Moskva, Petsukh, 9.25 9.25 10.000 0.00 28.500
2 GBR - Heskett, Hurst, Peart, Walker 9.25 9.00 10.000 0.00 28.250

MxP -
1 GBR - Hunter, Simpson 9.35 8.95 10.000 (96.0) 0.00 28.300
2 RUS - Kurennoy, Kuznetsova 9.15 9.00 10.000 (91.0) 0.00 28.150

WG -
1 RUS - Belichko, Kuznetsova, Ternovykh 9.50 9.20 10.000 (85.0) 0.00 28.700
2 GBR - Burfield, McGrath, Smith 9.40 9.10 10.000 (95.0) 0.00 28.500

WP -
1 GBR 2 - Grehan, Thorne 9.50 9.00 10.000 0.00 28.5001
2 RUS - Gladneva, Vaschenko 9.45 9.05 10.000 0.00 28.500
= 10 GBR 1 - Johnstone, Lee 8.80 8.80 10.000 0.60 27.000

World Age Games - Day One Qualifications...

2008-10-03T20:30:00.002Z

Session 4

12-19, Men's Pair (BALANCE)
12-19 Mixed Pair (DYNAMIC)
12-19 Mens PAir (BALANCE)

Germany performed a clean opening routine, scoring 28.150, to get the Men’s Pairs competition underway, but were knocked off the top spot soon after by the pair from the Ukraine. The Russian mens pair was marked highly by the judges for their balance offering, taking the top spot with a score of 28.800, one of the highest of the day so far. Mistakes were made by Bulgaria, Kazakhstan and Israel which means they couldn’t push for first position. The 11-16 World Champions from 2006, from Poland have made the jump and earned a respectable 28.050 placing them 4th with 8 to go. The Azerbaijani pair performed impressive skills, notably their one arm combination and planche but only scored 27.500, but would have been deducted for mass and maturity. The Belarusian partnership performed well, but only managed to move in to second place, with the Russians still leading. GBR pair, Durbridge and Stranks from Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics, scored 28.600, moving them ahead of the pair from Belarus after the balance routine, but still behind the Russians.

The standings after one routine (Balance) in 12-19 MP
1 RUS - Bryzgalov, Shakhov 9.65 9.15 10.000 (113.0) 0.00 28.8002 GBR - Durbidge, Stranks 9.50 9.10 10.000 (114.0) 0.00 28.6003 BLR - Fedchanka, Kalachou 9.40 8.90 10.000 (113.0) 0.00 28.3004 UKR - Push, Yablonskyy 9.50 8.70 10.000 (110.0) 0.00 28.2005 GER 1 - Claus, Dewateikin 9.25 8.90 10.000 (114.0) 0.00 28.1506 POL - Al-Hadad, Fieniuk 9.35 9.00 10.000 (110.0) 0.30 28.0507 KAZ - Muslimov, Naisbayev 9.30 8.85 10.000 (116.0) 0.30 27.8508 ARM - Balasanyan, Nikoghosyan 9.00 8.65 10.000 (110.0) 0.00 27.650

MIXED PAIR (DYNAMIC)
The American Mixed Pair, Bloom and Bones, had unique elements which made a refreshing change, but didn’t score highly with the judges, who awarded them 27.500. Betten and De Valk from the Netherlands performed an emotive routine with clean elements but were deducted for mass and maturity, and their artistry score suffered.They still went top, but only with a score of 27.650, with 10 still remaining. The German Mixed Pair made interesting skill choices with lots of wraps and twists and a selection of clever links and moved into joint 1st place with 8 more to go. The GBR Mixed Pair of Hunter and Simpson from Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics performed a high level skill, a double straight from hands, impressing the audience and pushing them in to first place at the halfway point. The South African partnership of Friesling and Tshishonga performed with big smiles, great energy and enthusiasm, and walked off the floor with a 27.050. Shock of the mixed pair competition came when usually impressive, Belgium pair De Roeck and Van Wijk dropped their opening skill, handstand to handstand, but went on to complete a near clean routine, still only scoring 26.900. The Russians performed a nice routine, but didn’t move ahead of GBR in the standings after day one.

The standings after one routine (Dynamic) in 12-19 Mixed Pairs
1 GBR - Hunter, Simpson 9.35 8.95 10.000 (96.0) 0.00 28.3002 RUS - Kurennoy, Kuznetsova 9.15 9.00 10.000 (91.0) 0.00 28.1503 BUL - Ivanova, Kirov 8.90 8.85 10.000 (97.0) 0.00 27.7504 NED - Betten, De Valk 9.25 8.90 10.000 (80.0) 0.50 27.6504 GER 1 - Boetcher, Grader 9.00 8.65 10.000 (90.0) 0.00 27.6506 KAZ - Kovalenko, Mikoluta 8.80 8.75 10.000 (84.0) 0.00 27.5507 USA - Bloom, Bones 9.00 8.80 10.000 (100.0) 0.30 27.5008 POL - Dominiak, Tomcazak 8.75 8.70 10.000 (92.0) 0.00 27.450

World Age Games - Day One Qualifications...

2008-10-03T20:25:00.002Z

Session 3
Juniors 12-19

Women's Pair (BALANCE)
Women's Group (DYNAMIC)
Men's Group (BALANCE)
Womens Pair (BALANCE)

The Belarusian pair, Bartashevich and Shchuka, set the score to beat, an impressive 28.250 given for their high level of difficulty and fantastic links. The French pair, Deneuville and Le Guennec, showed the strength of this year’s French squad, taking the top position after an elegant and beautifully performed routine gave them an artistry score of 9.05, 9.30 for execution and an overall scoring of 28.350, which gave the remaining 15 partnerships something to aim for, including two pairs from Great Britain. The Russians performed a trademark clean routine, and were awarded with a score of 28.500. Maiken Thorne and Mollie Grehan from King Edmund in the South West performed a much improved routine worthy of 9.00 artistry 9.500 execution with an overall score of 28.500 taking them level with the Russians. Last minute members of the GBR team, from South Tyneside, Johnstone and Lee completed their routine with a few minor mistakes, leaving them with a score of 27.000 and in 5th place with 10 to go. The audience helped along the German Women’s Pair, by clapping when a technical fault on the music computer meant most of their routine was completed in silence. The judges did not deduct for this, and the pair scored 27.750 making it into 8th place after one routine.

The standings after one routine (Balance) in 12-19 WP
1 GBR 2 - Grehan, Thorne 9.50 9.00 10.000 0.00 28.5001 RUS - Gladneva, Vaschenko 9.45 9.05 10.000 0.00 28.5003 FRA 2 - Deneuville, Le Guennec 9.30 9.05 10.000 0.00 28.3504 BLR 1 - Bartashevich, Shchuka 9.40 8.85 10.000 0.00 28.2505 FRA 1 - Bidaud, Val 9.20 8.85 10.000 0.00 28.0505 BLR 2 - Mikhnevich, Yanusik 9.15 8.90 10.000 0.00 28.0505 KAZ - Navodey, Vladyka 9.15 8.90 10.000 0.00 28.0508 GER 1 - Bothe, Meyert 9.10 8.70 9.950 (109.0) 0.00 27.750= 10 GBR 1 - Johnstone, Lee 8.80 8.80 10.000 0.60 27.000

WOMEN'S GROUP (DYNAMIC)
The Ukraine set the standard for the Junior Women's Group first day with a dramatic routine, scoring 28.050 with the judges. The German, Australian and South African groups all made slight errors, meaning that they weren’t able to take the Ukrainian Group off the top spot. The Polish trio, Brzozowska, Radlowska and Rudnicka came closest in the first section of the competition, with a score of 28.000, just .050 off 1st place. The French girls, Capacci, Chameroy and Desvignes also scored 28.000, taking them level with Poland, and like in the Women Pairs competition, they displayed a much improved standard of French acrobatics. The United States 1 kicked off the final set of junior womens group, performing with confidence, but only managed to score 27.550 due to a few minor mistakes. The British trio of Burfield, McGrath and Smith, from Harefield Gymnastics Academy in London raised the level of competition, with a dramatic and polished routine, scoring 28.500 with the judges and wowing the audience, performing a double straight, full in back from pitch, one of the hardest skills performed in the 12-19 competition. The Belarusian Women’s Group continued to impress with their traditional choreography and style but remained .05 behind the British trio. The Russian Womens Group was the last to go, opening with a 2 and half front to wrap. The Russians impressed with their high level skills and execution, and scored a remarkable 28.700, 9.5 for execution and 9.2 for artistry, taking them ahead of the GBR girls, by 0.2 after one routine.

The standings after one routine (Dynamic) in 12-19 WG
1 RUS - Belichko, Kuznetsova, Ternovykh 9.50 9.20 10.000 (85.0) 0.00 28.7002 GBR - Burfield, McGrath, Smith 9.40 9.10 10.000 (95.0) 0.00 28.5003 BLR - Dudkouskaya, Khrypach, Usmanova 9.25 9.20 10.000 (88.0) 0.00 28.4504 UKR - Kalyta, Odintsova, Vinnik 9.05 9.00 10.000 (89.0) 0.00 28.0505 FRA 1 - Capacci, Chameroy, Desvignes 9.00 9.00 10.000 (95.0) 0.00 28.0005 POL 2 - Brzozowska, Radlowska, Rudnicka 8.95 9.05 10.000 (89.0) 0.00 28.0007 BUL - Andreeva, Lalinska, Marinska 9.05 8.80 10.000 (97.0) 0.00 27.8507 USA 2 - Giblin, Rey, Rodgess 9.00 8.85 10.000 (86.0) 0.00 27.850

MEN'S GROUP (BALANCE)The Russian Men’s Group showed the audience in Glasgow a sample of their high level of skill, performing straddle lever, on a near perfect top planche on top of splits. This and their showmanship earned them a score of 28.100 from the judges. An impressive score for partnership that have only recently moved up from the 11-16 Age Group. Although slightly shaky, the Polish Mens Group performed some show-stoppingbalances, but only scored 27.400, putting them in 3rd with three to go. The Ukrainian Men's Group of Hantyuk, Moskva, Petsukh and Romanyak impressed the judges with their original and entertaining choreography, scoring 28.500 with the judges. The final routine was the GBR Men’s Group from, Deerness Valley, Heskett, Hurst, Peart and Walker, a great finale to a strong competition in the discipline. The boys completed an almost faultless routine, and were awarded 28.250 by the judges, leaving them in second after one routine.

The standings after one routine (Balance) in 12-19 MG
1 UKR 1 - Hnatyuk, Moskva, Petsukh, 9.25 9.25 10.000 0.00 28.5002 GBR - Heskett, Hurst, Peart, Walker 9.25 9.00 10.000 0.00 28.2503 RUS - Degterev, Makhmudov, Nevzorov, 9.35 8.75 10.000 0.00 28.1004 BLR - Khvalko, Shatau, Ulasevich, Zhdanovich 9.00 8.80 10.000 0.00 27.8005 POL - Antonowicz, Jarczak, Karpinski, Rudyk 9.00 8.70 10.000 0.30 27.4006 UKR 2 - Chuchukalo, Demchyshak, 8.75 8.55 9.850 (105.0) 0.00 27.1507 HUN - Bango, Janocha, Korosi, Szamosi 8.05 7.40 8.100 (53.0) 0.60 22.950

World Age Games - Day One Qualifications...

2008-10-03T20:21:00.003Z

Session 2
11-16 Mixed Pair (DYNAMIC)
11-16 Men's Pair (BALANCE)
11-16 Men's Group (BALANCE)

The first session of the afternoon saw three British partnerships take to the floor, two Men’s Pairs and one Mixed Pair. Chambers and Wood from Spelthorne Elite Acrobatics were the first British partnership to perform, following a strong opening routine from Poland. The boys completed a clean and well performed routine which the home crowd loved, clapping along to every beat. The Mixed Pair of Kaman Mitchel and Shanie-Redd Thorne from King Edmund, coached by Nikki Thorne, surged ahead of the Russian partnership scoring 28.300 for their well polished, entertaining and highly executed routine. Another strong performance from the GBR boys was still to come, this time Houston and Pritchard added another level of talent to the high scoring afternoon with an amazing score of 28.600 – taking the first place position away from Russia.The scoreboards at this point made excellent reading for the Home Nation, both the Mixed Pair and Mens Pair from GBR leading the proceedings, ahead of Russia in both disciplines. The last four routines, ending the 11-16 competition for today were from the Men's Groups. It was going to be a tough discipline, with Poland, Great Britain, Russia and Belarus battling it out to be ahead in the first day of qualification. The GBR Four from Deerness Valley scored a very respectable 27.900, with the Russian group completing a near perfect routine, scoring 28.100, just beating them to the first place position at this stage. This afternoon the British 11-16 Age Group squad shone and showed their true depth to the audience and judges in Glasgow. Let’s hope they continue on this form tomorrow when the 11-16 competition continues with the Mixed Pair and Women's Group showing their balance routines and Men's Group and Men's Pair competing their dynamic.

Standings after one routine (Dynamic) in the 11-16 MxP1 GBR - Mitchell, Thorne 9.25 9.05 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.3002 RUS - Kiselev, Maslakova 9.45 9.15 10.000 (0.5) 0.50 28.1003 POL - Szumacher, Walaszewski 9.05 8.65 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.7004 POR 1 - Costa, Mendes 9.10 8.45 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.5505 BEL - Tysebaert, Wittevrongel 9.05 8.10 9.600 (0.3) 0.00 26.7506 AUS - Cosgrove, Janes 8.45 8.35 10.000 (0.5) 2.00 24.8007 HUN - Gulyas, Szokol 8.10 7.15 10.000 (0.5) 1.00 24.250

Standings after one routine (Balance) in the 11-16 MP1 GBR 1 - Houston, Pritchard 9.50 9.10 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.6002 RUS - Novokshonov, Roslyakov 9.50 9.05 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.5503 GBR 2 - Chambers, Wood 9.30 9.00 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.3004 UKR - Bondyryev, Pasternak 9.45 8.65 10.000 (0.5) 0.30 27.8005 POL - Moas, Opyrchal 9.10 8.60 10.000 (0.8) 0.00 27.7006 BLR - Novikau, Rybinski 9.10 8.70 10.000 (0.5) 0.50 27.3006 RSA - Ellis, Zim 8.80 8.50 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.3008 ESP - Rivera, Segura 8.60 8.55 10.000 (0.5) 0.30 26.850

Standings after one routine (Balance) in the 11-16 MG1 RUS - Kirichenko, Korostin, Kozlov, 9.35 8.75 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.1002 GBR - Bell, Dean, Evison, Stockport 9.35 8.55 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.9003 POL - Ruczkowski, Rudziak, Slupecki, Swiecik 9.05 8.20 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.2504 BLR - Aliaksashyn, Dravasekau, Liavonau, 8.45 8.05 10.000 (0.5) 2.20 24.300

World Age Games - Day One Qualifications...

2008-10-03T20:16:00.002Z

Session 1
11-16 Women's Pairs (BALANCE)

11-16 Women's Groups (DYNAMIC)

After their first routine, the 11-16 Women’s Group from Spelthorne - Burgon, Matthews and Seabourne, shot past the already impressive Polish group with a score of 28.150. Their energetic and cleanly performed routine impressed the judges enough to give them the top score of the first session. The Brits continued to lead until the Russian group took to the floor after the break, giving the audience and judges an immaculate, near non deductable routine, scoring 28.600. In the 11-16 Women's Pairs competition, no one seemed to be able to catch the almost robotic Russian partnership of Samarina and Vikhryanova with their impressive opening score of 28.850. The GBR partnership of Cook and Stephens made slight errors in their routine, costing them a 1.2 penalty score, taking their overall balance score to 26.450 with 8.9 for Execution and 8.75 for artistry for their remixed pink panther routine, putting them in 5th place after their performance with 13 remaining. Both American pairs delivered strong performances, as did the Polish pair, Bialas and Chelbisz. A strong field followed the British partnership with the French and Israeli teams both looking strong in the balance routine. The Russian partnerships in both disciplines continue to define and dominate the 11-16 competition with their clean and precise routines polished off with excellent execution. Great Britain also showed their strength, with the Women's group holding on to second place after the dynamic routine. The British pair is currently in 15th place, with the dynamic qualification tomorrow for the ladies from Deerness Valley.

Standings after one routine (Dynamic) in the 11-16 Womens Groups:

1 RUS - Emelyanova, Fazlyeva, Islamova 9.45 9.15 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.6002 GBR - Burgon, Matthews, Seabourne 9.30 8.85 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.1503 POL - Kwiatkowska, Szetela, Weklar 9.15 8.95 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.1004 BEL - De Vos, De Vos, Teirlinck 9.05 8.90 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.9505 USA 1 - Hargis, Reigel, Weidmaier 8.90 8.70 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.6006 POR - Medeiros, Pereira, Pereria 8.90 8.60 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.5007 FRA 1 - Deneuville, Deneuville, Jouet 9.00 8.45 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.4508 NED 2 - Eringa, Galama, Meester 8.70 8.45 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.150

Standings after one routine (Balance) in the 11-16 Womens Pairs:1 RUS - Samarina, Vikhryanova 9.60 9.25 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.8502 USA 2 - Eisenmenger, Lemmons 9.40 8.85 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 28.2503 POL - Bialas, Chlebisz 9.30 8.55 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.8503 ISR 1 - Gordon, Hochenberg 9.25 8.60 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.8503 USA 1 - Douglas, Metzler 9.20 8.65 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.8506 IRL 2 - Rennick, Sloyan 9.15 8.50 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.6507 ISR 2 - Akafi, Hayman 8.95 8.60 10.000 (0.5) 0.00 27.5508 AUS 2 - Assi, Gillett 9.05 8.15 9.800 (0.4) 0.00 27.0008 LTU - Kovaliova, Satalova 8.80 8.50 10.000 (0.5) 0.30 27.000= 15 GBR - Cook, Stephens 8.90 8.75 10.000 (0.5) 1.20 26.450

WORLD AGE GAMES OPEN....

2008-10-02T14:59:00.005Z

The World Age Group Competition in Acrobatic Gymnastics is now underway at The Kelvin Hall Arena in Glasgow......

The competition starts tomorrow with the 12-19 AND 11-16 qualifiers. All the teams came together for a spectacular opening ceremony this morning.

Check out the British Gymnastics website for the latest news and results from the competition.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BG LINK

THE DEBATE: Acro in the Olympics?

2008-08-11T14:26:00.004Z

With the 2008 Beijing Olympics upon us, the whole World turns its attention to Artistic, Tramp and Rhythmic gymnastics, and again, leaves people asking what Acrobatic gymnastics is...

...It is frustrating that our amazing sport isn't yet an Olympic discipline- but will it ever become part of the games, will this happen in 2012? and how would inclusion in the Olympics change the sport?

What do YOU think?

Worlds' Tickets Selling Fast....

2008-08-11T14:21:00.005Z

Tickets for the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in Glasgow are selling left, right and centre. It seems the whole county and the World want to be a part of the competition, which is great for the sport.

The event is taking place between the 29th September- 13th October 2008 at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow.

For more information and to buy your tickets visit www.acro2008/tickets

See you there!

World Championship Website Launched...

2008-08-08T16:22:00.004Z

The website for the 21st FIG Acrobatic World Championships and the 5th International Age Group competition has now been launched......

Take a look...

www.acro2008.com

More information, profiles and pictures will be added soon...

BG Team Selection For Worlds 2008

2008-06-25T13:12:00.002Z

World Championships & World Age Group Championships 2008

British Gymnastics are delighted to announce the Acrobatic Gymnastics teams to represent Great Britain at the World Championships (6-13th October 2008) and the World Age Group Championships (29th September – 6th October 2008) in Glasgow.

World Championships

Women’s Pairs
Elizabeth Oliver & Katie Axten Spelthorne

Men’s Pairs
Mark Fyson & Edward Upcott Spelthorne

Mixed Pairs
Nicholas Illingworth & Sarah Cameron Wakefield

Women’s Groups
Emily Grove, Casey Morrison & Victoria Lamkin Spelthorne

Men’s Groups
Adam McAssey, Adam Buckingham, Alex Uttley & Samuel Sturt Spelthorne

Additional Partnership
Hannah Feeney, Claire Thompson & Grace Blacklock Harefield

Coaches
Nominated coaches from:

Spelthorne
Wakefield

In addition, British Gymnastics will apply for an additional ‘transferable’ accreditation which will be shared by coaches from Spelthorne and Harefield in agreement with the Team Manager (Matei Todorov). The selection of coaches is subject to the approval of our request to the FIG for the additional ‘transferable’ coach accreditation.

World Age Group Championships (12-19 years)

Women’s Pairs
Lauren Drinkald & Chelsea Fisher Deerness Valley

Men’s Pairs
Liam Durbidge & Jonathan Stranks Spelthorne

Mixed Pairs
Joshua Simpson & Kimberley Hunter Spelthorne

Women’s Groups
Katherine Smith, Ciara McGrath & Sophie Burfield Harefield

Men’s Groups
Richard Hurst, Simon Peart, Dorian Walker & Jesse Heskett Deerness Valley

Additional Partnership
Maiken Thorne & Mollie Grehan King Edmund

World Age Group Championships (11-16 years)

Women’s Pairs
Alexandra Stephens & Rebecca Cook Deerness Valley

Men’s Pairs
Alex Houston & Timothy Pritchard Deerness Valley

Mixed Pairs
Kaman Mitchell & Shanie-Redd Thorne King Edmund

Women’s Groups
Ann Marie Seabourne, Elise Matthews & Laura Burgon Spelthorne

Men’s Groups
Matthew Evison, Jonathan Bell, Reece Stockport & Joseph Dean Deerness Valley

Additional Partnership
Gareth Wood & Robert Chambers Spelthorne

Coaches
Nominated coaches from:

Deerness Valley
Spelthorne
Harefield
King Edmund

All gymnasts, coaches and officials selected for the event will be expected to attend a preparation training camp at Lilleshall National Sports Centre from Sunday 21st – Wednesday 24th September.

Please note: The teams are selected for the week they are competing (i.e. World Age Group Championships from 29th September – 6th October and World Championships from 6th – 13th October). Gymnasts, coaches and officials who wish to attend the event outside of these dates must do so at their own expense and organisation.

Well Done on making the squad everyone. See you in Glasgow!

21st World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships...

2008-04-17T12:33:00.002Z

The Worlds have now been announced and will be held in ..... GLASGOW .....Starting 29th September 2008. The venue of the competition is yet to be confirmed. This is great news for British Acrobatic Gymnastics and I am sure it will be a great success. I will update more information as we get it!

News From Europe: Triple Saltos

2008-02-29T20:24:00.008Z

Here is a video that was found on You Tube- it is a collection of all the triple saltos performed at the 2007 European Championships in Holland. Simple Amazing.

Click the picture or HERE to veiw the video on YouTube!

Competition Calender 2008

2008-02-29T20:13:00.003Z

Here is the latest competition calender for 2008. The dates and venues are subject to change;

March 2008
Regional Prelims (1st-16th March) VARIOUS LOCATIONS
British Championships (28-30th March) FENTON MANOR - Stoke on Trent

April 2008
Bucks Open Championships -(20th April) Kingston Gymnastics Centre- Milton Keynes

May 2008
21-25 World Cup Publier, FRANCE

September
29th September - ? Glasgow (Venue TBC)

November
28-30 British Open Tournament @ Fenton Manor

Please let me know of any other competitions you want adding to the calender.

23rd European Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics

2007-11-14T10:14:00.000Z

Once again Great Britian proved itself as one of the strongest forces in the World in Acrobatic Gymnastics during the recent European Championships at the Maaspoort Sports & Events centre in S'Hertogenbosch, Holland.

There were delegations from Armenia, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, to name but a few!

The British representatives were:
Senior European Championships
Women’s Pairs: Elizabeth Oliver & Katie Axten from Spelthorne
Men’s Pairs: Mark Fyson & Chris Jones from Deerness Valley
Mixed Pairs: Nicholas Illingworth & Sarah Cameron from Wakefield
Women’s Groups: Emily Grove, Casey Morrison & Victoria Lamkin from Spelthorne
Men’s Groups: Adam McAssey, Adam Buckingham, Alex Uttley & Sam Sturt from Spelthorne

Junior European Championships
Women’s Pairs: Maiken Thorne & Mollie Grehan from King Edmund
Men’s Pairs: Liam Durbidge & Jonathan Stranks from Spelthorne
Mixed Pairs: James Palmer & Georgia Sturt from Spelthorne
Women’s Groups: Katy Smith, Ciara McGrath & Jessica Dangerfield from Harefield
Men’s Groups: Richard Hurst, Simon Peart, Josh Robinson & Jesse Heskett from Deerness

International Age Group Championships
Women’s Pairs:

Jasmine Danby & Hannah Bevens from Deerness Valley
Louise Lee & Hannah Johnstone South Tyne

Men’s Pairs:
Alex Houston & Timothy Pritchard from Deerness Valley
Lee Baker & Kieran Baker from Horsham

Mixed Pairs
Kaman Mitchell & Tasha Lawrence from King Edmund
Chris Cranfield & Ellie Stewart-Croker from Horsham

Women’s Groups
Catherine Aitchinson, Rosie Green & Ellie Newitt from Oxford
Amber Ballantyne Sykes, Joanne White & Abigail Collins from Oxford

Men’s Groups
Matthew Evison, Jonathan Bell, Reece Stockport & Joseph Dean Deerness Valley
Christopher Rogers, Oliver Wright, Chester Wilmot & Jack Pothecary South West

In the Team competitions GBR picked up both the Senior and Junior Silver medals losing out admirably to the mighty Russian delegation to both titles, which is a fair defeat!

Over all GB picked up 3 Gold, 7 Silvers and 4 Bronze medals and definitly made a mark on the World of Acrobatics- Bring on the Worlds in USA 2008!

Results

Senior
WP - 1st Russia; 2nd Bulgaria; 3rd Great Britain
WG - 1st Great Britain; 2nd Ukraine; 3rd Belgium

MP - 1st Ukraine; 2nd Russia; 3rd Great Britain

MXP - 5th Great Britain

MG - 1st Ukraine; 2nd Russia; 3rd Great Britain

Juniors

WP - 1st Russia; 2nd Bulgaria; 3rd Germany; 4th Great Britain

WG - 1st Russia; 2nd Belgium; 3rd Great Britain

MP - 1st Great Britain; 2nd Russia; 3rd Ukraine

MXP - 1st Belgium; 2nd Great Britain; 3rd Russia

MG - 1st Russia; 2nd Ukraine; 3rd Bulgaria; 5th Great Britain

Age Groups

WP - 1st Russia; 2nd Great Britain; 3rd Belgium

WG - 1st Russia; 2nd Great Britain; 3rd Belgium

MP - 1st Russia; 2nd Great Britain; 3rd Bulgaria

MXP - 1st Russia; 2nd Great Britain; 3rd Bulgaria

MG - 1st Great Britain; 2nd Russia; 3rd Poland

Gymnast Profile: Charlotte Dyson

2007-05-30T11:46:00.000Z

Name: Charlotte Dyson
Age: 10
Club: South Staffs Acrobatics
Coaches: Nick Duddy and Gemma
Disapline: Grade 4 Womens Groups

Charlotte is one of the most promising talents coming out of the West Midlands region and has the determination and drive to succeed, she is definitly a gymnast to look out for in the future.

Charlie got involved in acrobatic gymnastics 3 years ago, aged just 7 years, after seeing an article in a local paper about South Staffs Acrobatics. Since then she has improved dramatically, now working her way to competiting on a National stage.

Miss Dyson has moved through the National Development Plan with ease, and has worked with various partners on the way including; Womens pairs at Grade 1 with both Kristina Burns and Laura Furnival. Grade 2 Womens Groups with various partners including current base, Sammy-Jo Burlton. (Picture Bottom Right) Her longest partnership of a WP2 with Laura Furnival saw her gain a podium place on various occasions.

She has had trial partnerships with acclaimed gymnasts, Amy Marsdon and Claire Rutter who have both represented GB in various competition. However, Charlie was left dissapointed wheb Marsdon and Rutter announced their retirement.

But this lead on to one of her best partnerships yet. Charlie is now working with Sarah Smallman and Sammy-Jo Burlton in a Grade 4 Trio, and they seem to be getting better and better. Their latest results prove their talent as a group, including 8th Place at the recent NDP British Championships and a silver medal at the 2007 Bucks Open in Milton Keynes. (Picture Below)

She is an extremely talented gymnast with great potential. Her favorite dynamic skill is 1 3/4 front to craddle and favours the russian lever balance. However, her forte is her flexibilty, demonstrated in the quality of her valdez, walkovers and mexian handstands.
Charlottes dream is currently to win a medal at a British Championships or Tournament, which is a VERY realistic dream.

Lets hope that she extends this wish to competing on a European and World stage, because if she contiunes to progress at the level she has begun, it wont be long before this 10 year old from the Midlands is representing Great Britian.

Good Luck Charlie, and Keep Working Hard....

Charlotte Dyson Current Results and Placings:
2005 women’s pairs - west midlands prelims (4th place)
2005 women’s pair’s -ndp championships (6th place)
2005 women’s trio – ndp championships (1st place)
2006 women’s trio- west midlands prelims (2nd place)
2006 women’s pairs - west midlands prelims (6th place)
2006 women’s trio – saltney classic (4th place)
2006 women’s pair- saltney classic (3rd place)
2006 women’s trio- ndp championships (2nd place)
2006 women’s pair- ndp championships (1st place)
2007 women’s pairs - west midlands prelims (2nd place)
2007 women’s trio- mylton Keynes bucks open (2nd place)
2007 women’s trio- British championships (8th place)

Charlies Current Medal Table:

Bronze-1
Silver-6

Gold-3

For more information on South Staffs follow the link on the Clubs Link bar on the right of the page.

Bucks Open 2007

2007-05-21T10:55:00.000Z

NDP Level competition held at Milton Keynes Gymnastics Centre- 12/13th May 2007

For Pictures Check Out Cherry-Ann Ballentyne's amazing photography from the event.
(you can purchase photographs of yourself from Cherry-Ann)

NDP British Finals 2007

2007-05-21T10:32:00.001Z

This weekend Fenton Manor in Stoke-On-Trent played host, yet again, to another succesful acrobatic gymnastics & tumbling championships. This time the country's best NDP acrobats battled it out to be crowned British Champions!

The NDP is fundemental to the development of British talent in acrobatic gymnastics, and competitions like the National Finals showcases the potential in the sport. It also sets goals, targets and aims for the young gymnasts to work towards in setting their own challenges.

WELL DONE EVERYONE

There was a great show of clubs from up and down the country, including;

Avondale
Bromley Valley
Castle
Checkers
Deal
Deerness Valley
Diamonds
Harefield
Harelquins
Haverford West
Havering
Horsham
King Edmunds
Kings Lynn
Notts Acro
Oxford
Phoenix
Richmond
Rugby
Saltney
Seagulls
South Staffs
South Tyne
Stafford Acro
Wakefield
Wakefield
West Bromich
West Kirby
West Street

...and many more!

For full results Click Here
Pictures Coming Soon- Keep Checking!

British Acro & Tumbling Championships 2006

2007-05-14T12:24:00.000Z

What a weekend of competition, with all the big clubs back in buisness, it made for an excting display of British talent, which we dont seem too short of at the moment!

Matei Todorov, Technical Director for Acrobatics and Tumbling talks to BAGA after the event: “For me the most impressive performances came in the 11-16 age bracket where the competition was very strong and the presentation widespread geographically. They showed some very good artistry and I was very happy with the make up of the partnerships, where in the past we have seen all shapes and abilities the selection now looks a lot better.

The Senior and Junior categories were not as widely competed, however we should still have a very strong Team for the European Championships in October. In the Tumbling the most important aspect was the development of the youngest gymnasts who showed enormous potential as well as a unified technique. The number of people at the right level makes us very optimistic for the Worlds in Canada.

The senior men and women were also very impressive although there were some uncharacteristic mistakes, overall the competition was very strong and hard to predict. The organisation of the tournament made it the best year ever. With the introduction of the big screen, this opens a new page of organisation and all of us will learn from this experience. We were all desperate for these types of media improvements and we should now go forward and take advantage of them.”

Here are the results! (Full results can be found on the British Gymnastics website)

Men’s Group.
Senior
1 st- Adam Dobbs, Adam Denny , Adam Smith, Andrew Price (Bromley Valley)
2 nd- Chris Carter, Wayne Skivington, Chris McGreevy, John Atherton (Wakefield)

Junior
1 st- Richard Hurst, Simon Peart, Josh Robinson, Jesse Heskett (Deerness Valley)

11-16
1 st- Matthew Evison, Jonathan Bell, Reeece Stockport, Joseph Dean (Deerness)
2nd- Shaun Malone, Oliver Wright, Chester Wilmott, Jack Pothecary (K.Edmund)

Men’s Pairs
Senior
1 st- Mark Fyson, Chris Jones (Deerness)

Junior
1 st- Liam Dudbridge, Jonathon Stranks (Spelthorne)
2 nd- Dorian Walker, Stephen Raine (Deerness Valley)

11-16
1 st- Lee Baker, Keiran Baker (Horsham)
2 nd- Alex Houston, Timothy Pritchard (Deerness)
3 rd- Barnaby Llewellyn, Danny Bates (K.Edmund)

Mixed Pair
Senior
1 st- Patrick Bonner, Alex Grayson (Deerness Valley)

Junior
1 st- James Palmer, Georgia Sturt (Spelthorne)
2 nd- Dominic Hodge, Charlotte Thomas (West Street)

11-16
1 st- Kaman Mitchell, Tasha Lawrence (K.Edmund)
2 nd- Christopher Webster, Francesca Harland (Spelthorne)
3 rd- Christopher Rogers, Abby McArdle (Monarchs)

Women’s Group
Senior
1 st- Casey Morrison, Emily Grove, Victoria Lamkin (Spelthorne)
2 nd- Hayley Buckman, Hannah Pompa, Charlotte Franklin (Southampton)
3 rd- Dawn Kennelly, Samantha Baldwin, Lucy Finch (Wigan Seagulls)

Junior
1 st- Jessica Dangerfield, Katherine Smith, Ciara McGrath (Harefield)
2 nd- Helen Dean, Helen Dewell, Beth Young (Deerness)
3 rd- Candice Slater, Nikkitta Cox, Coral Patrick (South Tyneside)

11-16
1 st- Joanne White, Amber Ballantyne-Styles, Abigail Collins(Oxford)
2 nd- Catherine Aitchison, Rosie Green, Ellie Newitt (Oxford)
3 rd- Leighanne Cowler, Lauren Kemp, Hollianne Wood (Spelthorne)

Women’s Pairs
Senior
1 st- Elizabeth Oliver, Katie Axten (Spelthorne)
2 nd- Tania Noble, Bibi Passmore (Richmond)
3 rd – Kelly Bilverstone, Natalie Jarvis (Norwich)

Junior
1 st- Kelly Mannion, Deborah Owen (Harefield)
2 nd- Amy Crow, Amy Laycock (Wakefild)
3 rd- Maiken Thorne, Mollie Graham (King Edmund)

11-16
1 st- Hannah Bevens, Jasmine Danby (Deerness)
2 nd- Paris Lever, Roisin Evans (Spelthorne)
3 rd- Kezia Ross, Lauren Drinkald (Deerness)

Tumbling

9-10 yrs
Men
1 st- Kaylum Batchelor (Andover)
2 nd- Callum Kolade (Richmond)
3 rd- Thomas Higginson (Southampton)

Women
1 st- Emily Marsden- Payne (Pinewood)
2 nd- Jemma Saunders (Wakefield)
3 rd- Kara Heaton (Warrington)

11-12 yrs
Men
1 st- Greg Townley (Derby City)
2 nd- William Arter (Andover)
3 rd- Jack Jeavons (West Bromwich)

Women
1 st- Heather Cowell (Richmond)
2 nd- Hannah Saunders (Wirral GC)
3 rd- Hope Roberts (Lynx)

13-14 yrs
Men
1 st- Garret Nixon (Derby City)
2 nd- Connor Maloner (Lynx)
3 rd- Dale Cherry (Lynx)

Women
1 st- Megan Green (Lynx)
2 nd- Paige Clarke (Pinewood)
3 rd- Sharnah Evans (Deeside)

15-16 yrs
Men
1 st- Benny Leach (Andover)
2 nd- Daniel Kowles (Deerness Valley)
3 rd- Ryan Dyer (Pinewood)

Women
1 st- Rachel Letsche (Warrington)
2 nd- Mica Parry (Wirral GC)
3 rd- Samantha Rocket (Wakefield)

Senior
Men.
1 st- Damien Walters (Derby City)
2 nd- Stephen Newey (Pinewood)
3 rd- Charlie Burrows (Pinewood)

Senior
Women.
1 st- Laura Housan (Wakefield)
2 nd- Jennifer Dawes (Wakefield)
3 rd- Sarah Turner (Wakefield)

GB Enter The Acro World Rankings

2007-05-11T17:05:00.001Z

Coming Soon!

World Cup Final 2007 Puurs

2007-05-11T13:39:00.000Z

ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP FINAL 2007
6th to 10th April 2007
in Puurs, (BEL)

Yet another high quality showcase of acrobatic gymnastics from across the world! This World Cup Final was the conclusion to the 2005-2007 World Cup series in acrobatic gymnastics that included two other World Cup's in Puurs in 2005 and 2006.

50 athletes from 9 countries, Belarus, Belgium, Great Britain, Lithunia, Poland, Portugal, Russia, the Ukraine, and the U.S.A. qualified. However, there was no men's group competition due to a lack of participants. In addition, there was no formal ceremony for the women's pair event as only three pairs from two countries competed, and thus, no medals distributed. China also did not compete.

It was a competition full on controvosy, with a Russian Trio (Ekaterina Stroynova and Ekaterina Loginova associated with their new acrobat Anastasia Chistyakova) refused to be officially measure and the FIG decided to penalize the trio by 1.00 pt for each exercise of the trio in accordance with the FIG Code of Points.
In the end, Russia and Belarus took two gold medal place each. The highest finishing British Acrobats were mens pair, Mark Fyson and Christopher Jones, coming in 4th place.

Full Results of the competition can be found here- RESULTS
Pictures of the event can be found on the FIG Website....PICTURES

From Russia, With Love

2007-05-11T13:24:00.000Z

I thought it was only right to post this video of the Russian womens trio. They are currently Both Europian and World Champions, and from the skills demonstrated in this rouitine, I think you'll agree they deserve the titles! Enjoy..

Watch The Video!

British Open Tournament 2006 Review

2007-02-08T17:52:00.000Z

Taken from a report for The Gymnast (March 2006)

With 2006 arguably being the most successfully year ever for British Acrobatic Gymnastics and Tumbling, everyone was looking for a great finale to a year of hard work and amazing success. With the tally of medals in to the twenties at both European and World Championships this year, there was always going to be an array of talent competing this weekend.
For months partnerships, both old and new, up and down the country and across the world have been working hard to showcase their talent at the 2006 British Open Acrobatic and Tumbling Tournament, (1st-3rd December) and what a showcase it was!
This was truly an international event, with delegates from the ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />USA, Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Belarus competing along with 28 clubs from across the UK. But with the country's big clubs, Spelthorne, King Edmund and Deerness opting out of this year's Tournament, the competition was left open the podium could have been anyone's. Instead, a lot of clubs made their mark on the national stage this weekend, with competitors from Andover, Oxford Norwich taking part in the event, showing their ever developing talent.
As gymnasts, coaches and families descended on Stoke-On-Trent for the weekend's competition officials and event organisers were busy getting Fenton Manor Leisure Centre ready. More security than ever was in use to keep everyone in line and changes had been made in organisation to help the event run smoother than ever, including moving the usual 'competitor pit' from behind the judges, keeping the area free and looking very professional!
For the first time the competition began on the Friday night with the Senior and Out of Age pairs and groups performing their balance routines on the Eve of the usual Saturday start. Everyone seemed to get off to a good start, with only a few wobbles and mistakes being made. However the show was stolen by two partnerships in particular, Harefield's out of age trio, Hannah Feeney, Grace Blacklock and Claire Thompson who performed their balance routine immaculately and Carlos Amaro and Tyler Spray, the USA's national squad senior men's pair. The American men quickly whipped up the crowd with their high tariffs and immaculate rock-esque routine to the White Stripes', Seven Nation Army. Spray, the top of the pair certainly impressed the audience with his one arm full mexican. The Americans had an all round great opening to the competition with senior mixed pair, Brian Kincher and Kristin Allen completing a beautifully performed routine with little to deduct and remarkable choreography opened up the chance for big artistry scores. After a good opening routine from the majority of gymnasts, it left the competition open for the remainder of the weekend.
Saturday morning, and the days competition was opened by our American visitors, in the form of age group women's group, Porter, Lingo and Harms who after the final finished in a respectable 4th place. Overall the Age Group competition got off to a very good start with a high standard of gymnastics being displayed from all groups and pairs. A few partnerships had that little extra over the rest of the group. The 11-16 Wakefield duo, Beth Ledger and Beth Sykes performed a near immaculate balance routine showing off the pair's bridge pin with straddle lever and exciting tango-esque choreography. The Wakefield girls stood in gold medal position at the end of qualifiers in both routines and walked away with gold in the finals with an impressive score of 28.150. The American visitors continued to make an impression the judges and spectators throughout the Age Group competition, but missing out on medals by a few places and hundredths of a point.
One of the more impressive and perfected routine of the competition also came out of the Age Group category and from virtually newcomer club Oxford and their 11-16 Womens Group (White, Ballentyne-Styles and Burr) whose sleek and graceful balance routine won them the highest score of the competition (28.900) The trio, who represented Great Britain in the recent European Age Group Championships in Poland made few mistakes which won them the high score from the judges. The rest of the age group competition was to an equally high standard, showing lots of potential for the future of the sport. Matei Toderov, Technical Director of Acrobatic Gymnastics and Tumbling, who was at the Tournament all weekend believes the talent on show is a result of changing dynamics within the sport. He told The Gymnast; "Even without two of the country's best clubs but with the guests from abroad and the rest of the talent from Great Britain we can see the level of talent in British Acrobatics has gone up, no doubt about it!" he continued; "With new talent and skills coming from the gymnasts and new cubs coming on to the national scene, British Acrobatics is changing. We can see new styles of gymnastics and choreography emerging as ex-gymnasts are now becoming coaches."
By Saturday afternoon the competition was in full swing, with everyone in good spirits and having a great time, as well as lots of talent being shown on the floor from all regions. London region proved strong in the Junior Womens Groups with Harefield trio, Smith, McGrath and Dangerfield, impressing the judges with their perfected routines and strong range of skills, including fake bridge with stack, top planche to a standard which was hard to deduct from. Their powerful music and original choreography helped them win the group with a score of 28.700. Silver was taken by Wakefield trio Johnstone, Storey and Webster and Harefield's fellow London club, Bromley Valley (Rees, Bowditch and Whitehurst) took bronze with a polished routine containing the only 'Spadge' balance with planche and release of the foot, impressing both the judges and spectators. Their 'American' themed routine also went down well with our Stateside visitors!
All the Mixed Pairs across the groups had a first-rate competition and a high standard to aspire to. For Anthony Middleton and Amy Laycock from Wakefield and part of the Junior Great British team it was their last competition together, they walked away with a gold medal after a successful career together. Belgium junior mixed pair, Roeck and Van Wilk has the only serious fall of the competition, when Van Wilk over-rotated out of a high difficulty double Arabian. After a rest, the pair returned to the floor on Sunday performing their combined routine and completing the same move, this time sticking it. The remainder of the routine included an impressive one arm planche on one and long arm Y-Scale, showing off Van Wilk's amazing flexibility and Roecks strength, and proving to everyone they could complete a near faultless performance, and take a medal. Wakefield's other Mixed Pair, Colley and Cameron also proved Acrobatic Gymnastics ever rising standard by completing a routine with both high quality dynamic and balance content and also managing to complete a double Arabian with an immaculate landing.
Matthew Short and Sean McKenna represented the South West (Monarchs) in the age group men's pair's competition, and although only two partnerships entered this category Short and McKenna gave a good performance and gained a respectable score of 26.350.
Local Clubs South Staffs and Stafford were mostly busy helping in the organisation of the event, whilst Grade 4 trio (Strachen, Robinson and Burlton 51.150) represented South Staffs on the floor, with a clean and tidy performance in both tempo and balance routines, winning them the silver medal behind the impressive trio from Richmond in the London Region. (Genov, Goldring, Russell 51.800)
Overall the American visitors had excellent results at this years Tournament, but Head of Delegation, Tom believes it was much more than what was happening on the floor; "It has been great, it is the first time USA Gymnastics has brought over a delegation to a British competition and it has been brilliant and our athletes have really enjoyed it." He continued; "It is the first time some of our athletes have travelled internationally and it is a great experience for them to travel with their sport, some thing they love!" on behalf of USA gymnastics he added; "British Gymnastics had fulfilled our every request and need and has bent over backwards to make the experience seamless and well run we are very grateful for this opportunity, We will look forward to returning next year!"
On Sunday afternoon, special presentations were made to gymnasts, judges and coaches who have all achieved great success in the sport over the last couple of years. Anthony Middleton from Wakefield (mixed pair with Amy Laycock) who is leaving the sport to continue his studies and GB tumbler, Samantha Palmer, were among the young gymnasts receiving special commendation for their success within the sport. Coaches and judges were also recognised for their contribution during the presentation by Matei Toderov, along with the highly successful Great British tumbling squads.
Overall it was a weekend of high quality acrobatic gymnastics and a great atmosphere. The presence of the international guests was welcomed by all whilst the skill of both the Belgians and Americans showcased the rising standards in Acrobatic Gymnastics on a global level. Everyone is now looking forward in to 2007 and the development of new and exciting talent that is set to emerge from a number of British clubs. As well as the return of clubs such as King Edmund and Spelthorne to the competitive scene. Whatever happens, let's hope that this year can bring as much success to British Acrobatic Gymnastics as 2006 did!
Results
11-16 Womens Groups
1) Joanna White, Amber Ballantyne-Styles, Rosie Burr (Oxford) 28.900
2) Catherine Aitchison, Rosie Green, Ellie Newitt (Oxford) 28.450
3) Hannah Busha, Steffani Scheid, Mariah Spray (USA) 28.150
11-16 Womens Paris
1) Beth Ledger, Beth Sykes (Wakefield) 28.150
2) Louise Lee, Hannah Johnstone (South Tyneside) 27.800
3) Alison Hayes, Louise Kelly (Ballincollig) 27.650
11-16 Mens Pairs
1) Matthew Short, Sean McKenna (Monarchs) 26.250
2) Tim Shaw, Harry Ruddlesden (Rotherham) 25.950
11-16 Mixed Pairs
1) Christopher Rodgers, Abby McArdle (Monarchs) 27.050
2) Jamie Pugh, Nicole Sander (West Street) 26.950
3) Christopher Collins, Lauren Jarrett (Monarchs) 26.100
Grade 4 Womens Groups
1) Tsveti Genov, Tashi Goldring, Josie Russell (Richmond) 51.800
2) Carley Robinson, Emma Strachen, Jessica Burlton (South Staffs) 51.150
3) Ellya Thomas, Erin Jameson, Laura Noone (Harefield) 50.950
Grade 4 Womens Pairs
1) Poppy Spalding, Rachel Prest (Harefield) 48.490
Grade 4 Mens Pairs
1) Lee Baker, Keiran Baker (Harefield) 49.300
Grade 4 Mixed Pairs
1) Chris Cranfield, Ellie Stewart-Croker (Horsham) 49.650
2) Carl Denham, Fiona Cowley (Falcon) 39.500
Junior Womens Groups
1) Katherine Smith, Ciara McGrath, Jessica Dangerfield (Harefield) 28.700
2) Natasha Johnston, Emma Storey, Amber Webster (Wakefield) 28.450
3) Josie Rees, Amy Bowditch, Sophie Whitehurst (Bromley Valley) 27.450
Junior Womens Pairs
1) Deborah Owen, Kelly Mannion (Harefield) 27.750
2) Mallory Henthorn, Savannah Shields (USA) 26.900
3) Anita Jones, Cet Williams (Moelwyn) 25.950
Junior Mixed Pairs
1) Anthony Middleton, Amy Laycock (Wakefield) 28.550
2) Lee Colley, Sarah Cameron (Wakefield) 28.400
3) Nick De Roeck, Amber Van Wijk (APG Art Gym) 27.100
Senior Mens Pairs
1) Carlos Amaro, Tyler Spray (USA) 28.150
Senior Womens Groups
1) Hayley Buckman, Hannah Pompa, Charlotte Franklin (Southampton) 25.310
2) Elke Knaepkens, Kim Delose, Caro Annaert (APG- Art Gym) 24.300
3) Kirsty Warren, Abigail Marsh Molly Baily (Southampton) 23.750
Senior Mixed Pairs
1) Matt Bennet, Isis Clegg-Vinell (Horsham) 26.170
2) Brian Kincher, Kristin Allen (USA) 25.140
Senior Womens Pairs
1) Alison Novis, Danielle Coe (Horsham) 25.450
2) Tania Noble, Bibi Passmore (Richmond) 21.600
3) Kelly Bilverstone, Natalie Jarvis (Norwich) 20.650
Out of Age Mixed Pairs
1) Leon Fagbemi<>, India Bigg (Bromley Valley) 47.883
2) Nathan Lewerthy, Mia Surplice (Southampton) 41.733
Out of Age Womens Groups
1) Hannah Feeney, Grace Blacklock, Claire Thompson (Harefield) 54.240
2) Sue Bayley, Christie Vinsent, Ashleigh Lavender (Saltney) 49.687
3) Naomi Baskwill, Rachel Brown, Georgia Green (Monarchs) 49.683
Out of Age Womens Paris
1) Zoe Hitchen, Ellie Pearce (Checkers) 40.817

The British Tournament 2006

2006-11-06T17:36:00.000Z

Clubs across the country, and further afar are now putting the final touches to their routines and perfecting their balancing for this years final competition- the British Tournament. The event is taking place on 2nd and 3rd December at Fenton Manor in Stoke On Trent.

With visitors from the USA, Belgium and possibly Belarus, and with current British, European and World champions from home turf it it set to be a great showcase of Acrobatic Gymnastics.

More deatils will be posted on the British Gymnastics Website...www.baga.co.uk

World Championships Portugal 2006

2006-11-06T17:31:00.000Z

WELL DONE TO THE MENS FOUR FROM BROMLEY VALLEY...

They are the new WORLD CHAMPIONS

Putting Great Britian on the map for Acrobatic Gymnastics...

VIDEO: Portugese Womens Trio Worlds 20005

2006-05-31T12:40:00.000Z

I've uploaded a video showing the title winning combined performance of the Portugese trio at the 2005 World Acrobatic Championships....

click here to Watch The Video!

A Perfect Balance: Emma Strachan

2006-05-31T10:21:00.000Z

A Perfect Balance.

Emma Strachan has been crowned British Champion more than once in her career, three times in fact. For this talented Sports Acrobat, life isn’t just about training anymore. We talked camper vans, coaching and becoming a ‘proper adult.

As I walked into the gym where Emma trains I was instantly struck by the up-beat Latino vibes of the music filling the room. The other gymnasts in compete awe of her talent. Emma is subconsciously showing off her natural skill for the sport and the personal flare which she adds to all of her routines. With the grace of her dancing, pure strength and the perfect synchronisation of their balance and tempo elements, Emma and her partner are able to create a perfect cocktail of gymnastics, which the judges love.

This time it is only a practice and as the music stops Emma and Ellie, her extremely supple and equally talented partner instantly look at their coach for a reaction, before running over for advice on how to be even better.

In the 10 minutes they spend talking to their coach Neil, Emma is completely focused on what he is telling her, absorbing all she can to add that little extra pizzazz to her performance. As they walk off together, grab their water bottles and sit down for one of what Emma calls her trade mark
‘pep talks’ she noticed me watching and ran over to great me.

The first thing she asked was if I thought her routine was ‘alright’, not in an ego massaging way but purely for more critical feedback. It is not long before she completely changes the subject to her new kitten and is keen to show me pictures of it clawing her brand new cream sofas!

“I love Mo, she’s my baby but she is wreaking my new sofas and my all guests go home with gaping holes in their hands- I suppose she thinks she’s our guard cat!”

After 20 years of living with her Mum she decided to move out last year into her own flat and now 18 months down the line she is buying a house with long term boyfriend Anthony. Both Emma and Anthony have a passion for sports and Volkswagen campervans

“Sometimes I take a weekend off training to be with Anthony, we love going away in the van to the seaside, it nice to have a break now and then, it keeps you interested in the sport”

Things suddenly moving up a gear in Emma’s personal life caused her to consider quitting the sport. She made the decision to leave last year, but lasted two weeks and went back to train. The downfall to this change of heart was that in this space of time she sold the majority of her leotards and had to spend a small fortune on new ones.

“It was so upsetting to leave, I thought it would give me extra time, but I missed training so I decided to go back, and had to laugh when I remembered I had sold all my leotards!”

Her attitude to her gymnastics career hasn’t always been this laid back, Emma herself admits that just two years ago she wouldn’t not have taken any time off and was so submerged she could not focus on anything else, not even her A-levels.

“You can get so involved in your training you forget about everything else, now I have all the experience behind me I can switch off and enjoy other parts of my life, and maybe I’ll become a proper adult soon”

The former British Champion started gymnastics at the age of four, and has achieved a huge amount in this time. She has won competitions at club, regional, national and even at an international level, travelling for a competition in Poland. Her previous club CHANCE has a reputation for having a strong squad and Emma and her former partner Jessica Perry proved this by snatching the title for the first time six years ago.

In 2002 she moved to Stafford Gymnastics club, paired up with Ellie, and started the process again. This time her ties to the club are not just as a gymnast but also as a valued member of the coaching team

“Coaching is great, I can pass my knowledge on to other gymnasts, I can help Ellie loads. It is rewarding to see gymnasts work their way up into the squads”

Like many other gymnasts it is comforting for Emma to know she can stay involved in the sport long after she stops competing, but Emma has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

“I know I’m getting old for a gymnast, bit of a granny! But I’m not done just yet, as long as I’m still doing well and enjoying the training I will carry on. I have a lot more competing and winning inside of me yet”

Since writing the article Emma has moved to South Staffs Gymnastics Club, joined forces with talent top, Chloe and determined Middle, Carly. The trio recently won bronze at Grade 4 trio at the British Championships. They are sure to have more success in the near future too.

Music....

2006-05-27T09:13:00.000Z

We all know how hard it is to find, the perfect and original pieces of music for acro routines. There are the favorites of NDP gymnasts- Mission Impossible etc etc...You've all heard them performed over and over again. Each competition seems to have its favorites, recently Chicago-Esq. 'jazz' music and more unquie beats are the most popular at both regional and national competitons.

What is important is that the style of the music is varied and allows creative choreography. It must also suit the gymnasts, there is nothing worse than seeing gymnasts on the floor, dancing uncomfatably to music they hate. With a huge 10 points now avalible for artistry its is more important than ever to find the perfect piece of music.

Here is a selection of my faves that you can download for free, they are all cut to 2.30mins ready to be choregraphed:

Latino- Would You? (mp3)
South American Jazz (mp3)
Aladdin (mp3)
Woo Woo Song (mp3)
Japanese Elegance (mp3)

They will be availble to download later this week.

Gymnast Profile: Chelsie Cooke

2006-05-25T17:34:00.000Z

Name: Chelsie Cooke
Age: 14

Club: Stafford Acrobatic Gymnastics Club
Disapline(s): Womens Groups (Grade 2) and Womens Pairs (Grade 2)

Chelsie started gymnastics at just three years old, and has continued to progress and develop into a graceful and commited acrobatic gymnast over the last 10 years.

Cooke trains four times a week at Stafford Acrobatic Gymnastics Club, and is coached by a number of experienced coaches, including Ex-National Champion, Emma Strachan.

She has worked with various partners during her career. First, as a top in a womens pair, then taking a step up, she became the top of a grade three womens group with Sarah Robertson and Katie Jepson. Building her confidence and skills. When her bases moved away to university, Chelsie became a top of a mixed pair, with Matthew Rowley. With Matthew she has great sucess, reaching national finals and performing a flawless, beautifully choeographed routine to impress the judges.

Her best sucesses have come now she has made the move to a base of both a womens group and womens pair. Winning 1st place in various competitons, and reaching the 2006 National Finals, where the stunning trio won a bronze medal. The trio is made up of Jenny, 15, Chelsie, also 14 and Emily aged 9.

With a promising future in acrobatic gymnastics, Chelsie and her trio are on the way to more medal winning performances.

Chelsie's Current Medal Table:

Gold: 5

Silver: 3

Bronze: 1

Gymnast Profile: Jessica Perry

2006-05-25T17:32:00.000Z

Name: Jessica Perry
Club: South Staffs Gymnastics Club
Age: 17
Disaplines: Open Womens Groups and Womens Pairs (Grade 2)

Jessica started her gymnastics career aged just five years old at her local lesuire centre where she joined Penkridge Gymnastics Club. By the age of six her talents had be noticed by her coach, and she was asked to join Cheslyn Hay Gymastics Club, and quickly began to improve.

Her rise through the ranks of British Acrobatics was metrioric. In 1998 Jess and her partner then, Emma Strachan won the title of West Midlands Champions, only to be crowned British Champions the following year.

By now, Cheslyn Hay had joined forces with Nortan Caynes Gym Club to form, CHANCE. Jess and Emma continued to work together untill 2000, when the successful pair were split up in a club change around. From then Jess began to work with Amy Marsdon, and an even more dynamic partnership was born. The girls finished in silver medal possition in that years British, and went on to secure a place on the Great Britain Squad to represent the country in Poland , where they finished in a respectable fifth place.

In 2001 Perry moved to Stafford Acrobatic Gymnastics Club, became a base and worked with various combinations of partnerships, across womens pairs and trios, collecting medals on the way. Her best success whilst at Stafford was with Hannah Mellor in womens pairs, where the two took the title of West Mids Champions and took forth place at the National Finals.

2004 saw a new club and new partnerships for Jessica, she moved to South Staffs Gymnastics Club and teamed up with Claire Rutter and Onnah Brunskill (picture below) to form a talented and graceful open trio. The three girls won the title of West Midlands Champions at Grade 4 trio, and finished inside the top ten at the finals. Jess and Onnah (picture left) also work in pairs, and this year won gold in the West Midlands Qualifiers, and went on to finish in third place at the National Finals.

Looking to the future Jess has high ambitions to regain a place in the Great Britian squad, this time as the base of her trio and with the quality and consistancy of her gymnastic career so far, there is no doubting that she'll be able to manage it.

Striking A Balance

2006-05-25T09:59:00.000Z

Gymnastics can be an extremely rewarding and exciting sport, every young girl who walks in to a gym for the first time gets a taste of success, and dreams of the Olympics or World Championships whirl around her head. The hard work and dedication to achive these dreams are only realised once the training begins.

Striking a balance is an investigative article looking into the dangers of elite gymnastics, highlighting issues such as eating disorders, injuries and the pressure the sport can carry. It looks at acrobatic and artistic gymnastics. Interviews with gymnasts from across the sport provide an insight in to the world of elite gymnastics.

The article is avalible to download here: Striking A Balance

Striking A Balance is Copyright of Sarah Robertson 2006 (c)

GB Selections for World Championships 2006

2006-05-25T09:43:00.000Z

British Gymnastics have announced the Acrobatic Gymnastics teams to represent Great Britain at the 20th World Championships and 4th International Age Group Championships in Coimbra, Portugal from 11-19th June and 19-25th June...The Teams are as follows:

World Championships Team

Women’s Pairs- Amy Crow, Julie Cameron from Wakefield

Men’s Pairs- Mark Fyson, Christopher Jones from Deerness Valley
Rees Durbidge, Edward Upcott from Spelthorne

Mixed Pairs- Robert Tregoning, Alex Grayson from Deerness Valley

Women’s Groups- Leanne Turner, Emily Collins, Victoria Lamkin from Spelthorne
Erin Jameson, Claire-Louise Thompson, Grace Blacklock from Harrow

Men’s Groups- Christopher McGreevy, Mark Pool, Alex Uttley, Jack Atherton from Wakefield
Adam Denny, Adam Smith, Adam Dobbs, Andrew Price from Bromley Valley

Coaches -

Matei Todorov Technical Director
Stuart Thompson Deerness Valley
Neil Griffiths Spelthorne
Vladimir Makarchenko Wakefield
Barbara McDuff Bromley Valley

International Age Groups Team (12-19 years)

Women’s Pairs- Deborah Owen, Kelly Mannion from Harrow

Men’s Pairs- Liam Durbidge, Jonathan Stranks from Spelthorne
Luke Rooney, Richard Hurst from Deerness Valley

Mixed Pairs- Christian Beecher, Katie Axten from Spelthorne
Lee Colley, Sarah Cameron from Wakefield

Women’s Groups- Katherine Smith, Ciara McGrath, Jessica Dangerfield from Harrow
Natasha Johnston, Emma Storey, Amber Webster from Wakefield

Men’s Groups - Adam McAssey, Adam Buckingham, Jamie Cowler, Sam Sturt Spelthorne

International Age Groups Team (11-16 years)

Women’s Pairs- Casey Morrison, Ellie Cooper from Spelthorne

Men’s Pair- Dorian Walker, Stephen Raine from Deerness Valley

Mixed Pair- Douglas Fordyce, Shelly Evans from King Edmund

Women’s Group- Amy Buckingham, Paris Lever, Roisin Evans from Spelthorne

Coaches (International Age Group Teams)

Matei Todorov Technical Director
Karl Wharton Deerness Valley
Neil Griffiths Spelthorne
Vladimir Makarchenko Wakefield
Natasha Maxwell Harrow

More details can be found on the Official British Gymnastics Website

What is Acro?

2006-05-25T09:20:00.000Z

Acrobatic Gymnastics (formally Sports Acrobatics) is a dynamic combination of dance, acrobatics and gymnastics skills. The routines are performed is various forms with 5 possible disaplines; Womens Pairs, Mens Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Womens Groups (trios) and Mens Groups. (mens fours). The routines are performed to instrumental music and last two and a half minutes.

Pairs are made up of a base and a top. Women's groups are comprised of a base, a middle, and a top partner and men's groups have a base two middle and one top partner. Bases are generally older gymnasts that display strength and balance. Tops are generally younger and have great flexibility and agility. Middles are often required to show a combination of all attributes.

A world class acrobatic gymnast would have to show an amazing combination of agility, balance, strength and grace to be the best.
Image: Jess, Claire and Onnah WG South Staffs