Esprit gymnasts Canterbury medal success
22 June 2007
A recent survey by Sport England concluded that Swindon is one of the unhealthiest towns in the South West of England, with fewer people taking part in Sport and physical activity than other area. But these results aren’t reflected at the Stratton based gymnastics club Esprit.
The club has more than 600 regular young members keen to be involved in this important ‘grass routes’ sport and the clubs teachers seem to have a remarkable knack of discovering exceptional talent, with many competition medal winners amongst the clubs gymnasts.
It was several of these exceptional young ladies, Caitlin Hewlett, Gabriela Carusso, Alicia Veveris, Maya Lucas, Laura Halford, Hannah Curtis, Gemma Rand and Jade Faulkner, that made the trip to the annual Canterbury Cup in Kent. A competition attended by many British clubs as well as some from Europe, Esprit has had considerable success over the years and 2007 didn’t disappoint, with the girls keeping the clubs record intact.
Caitlin Hewlett and Gabriella Carusso were Esprit’s youngest competitors, competing in the under 9 category. Both were a credit to themselves and Gabriella produced 2 exceptional routines. A Silver in Hoop was quickly followed by another in Free which gave her the overall Gold medal.
GB team member Alicia Veveris secured the overall bronze in the under 10 section with a Silver in Hoop and Bronze in Rope, with Maya Lucas following in 4th place.
In the under 11’s it was Esprit’s British Champion Laura Halford who confirmed just why she is so successful, with two exceptional routines that gave her triple Gold, winning the rope, ball and overall titles.
GB team mate Jade Faulkner, in the under 13 section, finished off another successful day at the office for the Esprit girls with a double Silver in Rope and Hoop, a Bronze in Ribbon and Ball gave her the Silver in the overall competition.
It was then a 3 hour trip drive back to Swindon, a few hours well earned rest and then for most, a day helping out at Esprit’s annual club competition
