Laura's on flexi-time

EVEN at the tender age of nine, Laura Halford just comes straight out and says it.

"I want to go to the Olympics one day,'' insists the Cricklade youngster, who is already making waves in the world of rhythmic gymnastics.

Not a bad ambition for someone so young.

And, if you listen to those in the know, it's no pipe dream either.

Not many of her peers, for example, will represent their country, against some of the best in the world, at such a tender age.

Even fewer, I expect, will have travelled to just outside of Moscow to do so.

But Russia is where Laura was last week, taking another step in a sporting career that already has a lot of people very excited.

Having become the first gymnast from the Swindon area to be selected for the Welsh national squad last month, Laura, who trains at Stratton St Margaret's Esprit Gymnastics, was fast-tracked into the six-strong Welsh team taking part in a Crystal Stars international competition.

That achievement in itself opened up the possibility of representation at the Commonwealth Games and, further afield, the Olympic Games, possibly even in London in 2012.

Those are for the future, though, with enjoyment and potential the important issues for now.

"I had a good time in Russia,'' she adds. "I came 18th out of 25 and it was exciting.

"I've been doing gymnastics for two and a half years. I used to play football too, but I got bored with it and I really like gymnastics.''

Deb Hows, who coaches the St Sampson's School pupil at Esprit, says: "Laura has natural talent, an amazing drive to succeed and supportive parents, and that's what you need to make it in a sport like gymnastics.

"She has never let her success go to her head and is a joy to teach, always trying her hardest.''

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport which combines dance and gymnastics with the use of balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes, and clubs.

Olympic and further international ambitions are lofty aims at such a young age of course, but Laura, it seems, has already demonstrated the tenacity and hunger to succeed.

Training six days a week for more than 18 hours, while continuing her education is testament to that.

And mum Paula says: "She is so determined for her age ­ she has that, perhaps it's stubborness, about her and she wants to go to the Olympic Games.

"You cannot tell what will happen in the next few years and you cannot force them to do something they don't want to do, but she knows what she wants at the moment.

"It has all been a bit of a whirlwind over the last few weeks. It really has been an incredible time.''

"The coaches at Esprit and with Wales have been fantastic for her, especially Deb Hows who gives up so much of her time, travelling with her to Llanelli and the Institute of Sport in Cardiff for Welsh squad training every Monday evening and weekends.''

Dad David, the reason why Laura is representing Wales, adds: "To finish where she did in her first competition abroad at that level is a great achievement.

"There were gymnasts from all over Europe there, so we are really proud of her.

"She came back and said it was a great trip. It's all about enjoyment at her age and hopefully competing in a tournament like that will help her do that even more.''

Ironically just this month, funding for rhythmic gymnastics was withdrawn because of the failure of Team GB to return from last year's Athens Olympics with medals.

And that type of support is a problem that Laura is already having to contend with.

It's a problem Esprit are already addressing, with plans afoot to create a fund for all their gymnasts.

Any potential sponsors can contact Esprit Gymnastics on 01793 822262.

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