GYMNASTICS - WESTON Aerobic Gymnastics Elite squad were invited to compete at a three- day international championship in Slovakia, and 15 gymnasts made the grade to represent the club.

WESTON Aerobic Gymnastics Elite squad were invited to compete at a three- day international championship in Slovakia, and 15 gymnasts made the grade to represent the club.

The first day was the age 10-11-year-old gymnasts and Weston had a superb start when Ruby Youds competed second on the floor and produced a sparkling routine to come well up the rankings. Next up was Rhys Williams who won the male individual with a comfortable margin and then went on to win the mixed pair with partner Keira Landen after performing a clean and pleasing routine for their first time abroad.

Amelia Barratt went into the lead early on in the female individual competition and then had a nail-biting day to find out she had beaten over 50 international gymnasts and several British squad members to come equal first, the decision being made on the execution score meant she went into second place. This being her first international and her first time in female individuals is a truly superb achievement.

The second day was the 12-14 and 15-17 female individual and trio heats. Again the Weston gymnasts stepped up to the mark, with both trios earning a place in the finals, 12-14 trio Emily Antione, Jaime Ward and Georgina Hannam went through in ninth place. The 15-17 trio Olivia Owen, Ellen Owen and Flora Lacy went through in 11th place.

On the third day of the competition, there was all to play for, starting with the 12-14 finals. Matt Saunders and Abi Butterfield competed first, setting a good standard, and getting third place, pipped by Romania and Hungary. The trio of Georgina Hannam, Jaime Ward and Emily Antione took to the floor and improved their score by a whole point, bringing them up to eighth place. A fantastic result at their first ever international, and looking good for the future.

Matt Saunders competed in the male individual and beat off stiff competition from other gymnasts including a talented Romanian gymnast, to win the age 12-14 male individuals.

The 15-17 finals and Weston had the trio and the six team in the finals. The trio of Ellen Owen, Olivia Owen and Flora Lacy competed early and performed well, but were unable to move up the results table. They then joined the other six team members, Jessica Taylor, Rosie Hitchings and Lucy Bladon to perform an energetic and stylish routine to come fifth in the group event.

The coaches Rachel Harvey and Kat Saunders led by experienced team manager Debbie Saunders, were proud to get all the gymnasts in finals and to bring home a clutch of trophies and medals and to be part of such a successful international competition.

If your child wishes to train with this successful and friendly club, phone Debbie Saunders 07779 802110.