More National Champions!

Esprit continues to rack up the titles with yet more British Champions.

Following on from recent successes including the English, Welsh and British Champion, Swindon’s premier gymnastics club could be forgiven for taking things easy recently.

But that’s not how it works at an Elite club like Esprit and success at one competition is simply a stepping-stone to the next high-level encounter.

This was the case recently when the clubs elite rhythmic gymnasts made the trip to Bradford for the 2011 Open Individual Apparaus Finals.

Katy Coleman was first up in the Espoirs section and kicked off with a top 10 finish in all her apparatus. She was followed by Esprit’s very impressive Juniors, most of whom again finished in the top 10 of a very strong field.

Leading the way, as was the case at the recent British Championships, were the Country’s number 1 & 2 Laura Halford & Stephanie Sherlock.

Laura impressed yet again, with three fabulous Gold medal winning performances and one Silver, whilst Stephanie pipped Laura for Gold in the Ribbon final but was behind her in two other events, claiming Silver medals.

Esprit’s other girls made it a memorable weekend for the Juniors with Gabriela Caruso, Hannah Curtis, Maya Lucas and Ellie Morse all finishing in the top 10 with most of their apparatus and Maya claiming a great 5^th place in Hoop.

But it still wasn’t over and Esprit’s Senior gymnast Gemma Rand was outstanding with two Bronze medals and a well deserved Silver for her Hoop routine.

Coach, Deb Hows commented, “our girls really are true professionals, this is an extremely busy time of year and to keep putting in the consistent performances they are is testament to their hard work and dedication, especially when you consider most are also working towards school exams as well”.

The clubs excellent results, also prove’s just why Deb Hows has recently won Performance Coach of the Year at the Swindon & Wiltshire Sports Awards, for the second year running.

She has also been made a Games maker at the London 2012 Olympics, nominated as a torch-bearer and already appointed as English Coach for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.