Sports
Personality
Published:
12 Feb 2007
9
year old Harriet Evans began gymnastics at 7 years old
in Cirencester and moved shortly thereafter to the Esprit
Academy of Gymnastics in North Swindon. The club, one
of the most successful in the country, runs an integrated
training programme, where all gymnastic disciplines work
together. After 6 months in the Artistic Gymnastics competition
squads, Harriet was, through this programme, identified
as having the particular talents required for Rhythmic
Gymnastics and moved disciplines at this time.
The
moved proved to be the correct one and in the 2 years
since beginning her training Harriet has experienced a
whirlwind of success in the sport.
This
success has seen Harriet win many medals at national competition,
be selected for the Welsh National squad and incredibly
win an individual Bronze medal at the 2006 British Championships
and another in the apparatus final, all at her very first
attempt.
Following
this she was selected, along with 3 other girls from Esprit
to join the Great Britain National Squad, an amazing achievement
for any athlete, especially a 9 year old.
The
Tetbury schoolgirl who attends St Mary’s school
in the town, is incredibly dedicated to her sport, making
the trip to Swindon 6 days a week, she has great support
from her school, who understand the needs of a gymnast
and allow her the time required for her training and Harriet
works hard to keep up with all of her school work.
As
part of British Gymnastics ‘World Class Start’
programme, Harriet is also required to make the trip to
Lilleshall in Shropshire for National Squad training once
a month and already has ambitions for the future.
“
I really want to compete with the very best,” said
Harriet, “I really would love to compete for Wales
in the Commonwealth Games in India in 2010, but I think
I will be too young for the Olympics in London in 2012.
But really I just want to continue having fun and enjoying
Rhythmic Gymnastics, I have made some great friends and
get to travel all over the place, meeting new people and
seeing new places. That’s why Rhythmic Gymnastics
is the best!”
