Laura is officially ‘WORLD CLASS’

First Published 29 June 2005

Countless medals at local, regional and national competitions, a place in the Welsh National Squad a trip to Russia and an award for Star Quality is not a bad start to any year, it’s even better if your only nine years old. But for Swindon based Rhythmic Gymnast Laura Halford this is exactly how 2005 started and unbelievably because of her amazing ability and dedication to her sport, things have now got even better!

Last weekend Laura, who trains at the Esprit Gymnastics Academy in Stratton St Margaret was invited to attend ‘World Class’ testing at the home of British Gymnastics in Lilleshall in the West Midlands. Laura was put through her paces against the very best gymnasts from the whole of Britain, where they try to identify those that have true World Class potential and a real chance of competing at World and Olympic standard.

“Those being tested”, said Laura’s coach Deb Hows from Esprit, “are split into two groups Senior and Junior and all are tested on skills such as balance, flexibility and body conditioning, with the top scores being invited to join the British, ‘World Class’ squad. Laura’s recent inclusion in the Welsh teams trip to Russia obviously raised her profile and earned her the right to trial for the British Squad, but to be honest, as she is only 9 years old, we really only expected Laura to put down her marker for the future”.

However after a week waiting for the results it was clear she has already made a very big mark indeed. She not only won the junior section but was top score out of all the seniors as well! Coach Deb and parents Paula and Dave alike were stunned, but Laura however never had chance to reflect on her triumph, she was straight off to Lilleshall for her first ever World Class training camp with the rest of her British Team mates.

Mum Paula Kimmel said, apart from being absolutely stunned by her selection I was amazed at her coming out top in testing, it really shows her that she has what it takes and her dream of competing at the Olympics one day is a real possibility. We couldn’t be more proud of her.
Deb Hows continued, “Laura is one of those children that takes success in her stride and no matter how successful always works hard and never misses training, she has her sights set on being the best rhythmic gymnast Britain has ever had and wants to follow in the steps of her hero Rebecca Jose, also from Swindon, who won the British Championships an unprecedented four times and put Britain into the top flight of World Gymnastics”.
Rebecca is now a part of the incredibly successful Cirque du Soleil and stars in the brand new extravaganza ‘Corteo’ now touring Quebec and Toronto in Canada as well as Minneapolis, San Fransico and San Jose in America later this year.

Esprit spokesman Mark Hows said “Laura is an exceptional athlete and deserves her chance, the only obstacle now is a lack of funding for talented sports stars like her, so if anyone can help Laura and indeed Esprit’s other budding young Olympic hopefuls, please contact Esprit Gymnastics on 01793 822262 or email: info@esprit-gymnastics.co.uk”.

back