Esprit Gymnastics – Welsh, English, British Champions!

Even considering the high standards set by Esprit, July was an exceptional month for the club.

First, Stephanie Sherlock claimed the English National title, before Esprit’s, Welsh Squad Gymnast, Laura Halford returned from injury to claim the overall Welsh National Championship and all 4 apparatus Golds.

But it still wasn’t over for the talented duo and expectations were high as they went head to head in the British Championships at Fenton Manor, Stoke on Trent.

Competing in the exceptionally strong Junior section the top two, who are already ranked number 1 & 2 in the UK produced some truly outstanding gymnastics throughout the 3 day event.

On day one it was the first two apparatus in the all around title race and Laura eged into a slight lead over Stephanie by scoring 41.2 to Stephanies 40.475.

Day two saw an incredible finish as the two continued their duel to the end with Stephanie scoring a brilliant 37.925 for her final two apparatus.

It was however Laura who came out on top with a magnificant 38.8 to give her a total score of 80 to Stephanies 78.4, making her British Junior Champion, with Stephanie second and overall Silver medalist.

The final day then saw the girls fight it out for the individual apparatus finals and again it was Laura who took the majority of the spoils winning three Golds and one Silver to Stephanies one Gold and three Silvers.

Cricklade schoolgirl Laura has now won the British title at every age group and looks forward to moving up to senior level next year, before beginning her preparations towards selection for a 2014 debut at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Deb Hows, head of coaching at Esprit said, “I am delighted for Laura, she was so disappointed to miss last years British through injury, to make such an impressive comeback is outstanding.

Having Steph perform so strongly as well is amazing, but we really musn’t overlook our other competitors; we actually had six in the Junior section, all of them in the top 15.

Maya Lucas was 9^th overall and made a great weekend really special with a well-deserved Bronze, behind Laura and Steph in the Hoop final, as well as also qualifying for the ball finals. To see a one, two, three all from Esprit, on the podium together, was a very proud moment for me as their coach”.

Maya was followed up by Hannah Curtis in 11^th, Ellie Morse in 12^th and Gabriela Caruso in 13^th, to prove just what strength in depth Esprit has at the club, with 6 of the top 15 Juniors in the UK.

However, the juniors weren’t alone and youngster Katy Coleman was a very creditable 8^th in the under 11 overall championship and finished off a great weekend for Esprit, by also qualifying for the ball final.

Deb Hows concluded, “Esprit has a really strong base and lots of gymnastic potential, the entire rhythmic coaching team has worked very hard preparing the girls for this years championship. I am delighted for them, as well as the gymnasts, as these successes have been a real team effort”.