Stellar’s adult gymnasts continued to show huge improvements as they got the 2023 competitive season off to an encouraging start.
Nine club members headed to Portsmouth – and despite it being so early in the competition calendar, they all performed well.
Ellie Raby competing at Level Three over-18s, managed to claim the overall bronze medal, not letting a hamstring injury get in her way!
In the next age band, at Level Three, Louise Horton finished in second place – a great result as it was her first competition in a couple of years.
In the over-30s Level Two category, Hannah Fox performed steadily on all apparatus to take home the overall gold medal.
A particular highlight for her was getting to compete a men’s artistic floor routine.
She said: “Portsmouth like to be flexible with the categories so women can compete on men’s apparatus and vice versa.
“This allows for a lot of fun and creativity and I loved the challenge of competing without music after so many years of doing so.
“The spectators were also in awe of the men performing on beam, which is usually a women’s event – it was very entertaining!”
Over-18s Level Two gymnast Hannah Drake finished fourth at her first adult gymnastics competition with her teammate Sophie Raine finishing close behind in sixth.
New to the adult gymnastics world, Alex Saleh started training only eight weeks ago – and finished in fifth in the Level One over-18s.
He has very much caught the gymnastics bug and said: “The competition was brilliant!
“I was really nervous at the beginning but everyone was so supportive and friendly – and the atmosphere was great. Bring on the next one!
“For most of my life I’ve been lifting weights and working out in that way.
Stellar head coach Hannah Fox said: “As a foundation sport, gymnastics is well known for supporting cognitive development, strength and conditioning, coordination and flexibility in children – but we believe it doesn’t have to stop there.
“Gymnastics can do all those things for adults too and it’s a fantastic way to keep fit.”
All abilities and ages are welcome and competing is optional but is open to all.
Visit the club website www.stellargymnastics.co.uk for more information.