First published 21 November 2005

Esprit make their mark at the British Championships.

Competitions don’t come much bigger than the British Championships and Swindon gymnasts from the Esprit Academy of Gymnastics in Stratton St Margaret really have arrived on the scene with three of the clubs Rhythmic Gymnasts qualifying for the two day event held in Burton-upon-Trent last weekend.

Just making it to these finals is the highest achievement for any gymnast, with anyone qualifying being one of the Top 15 gymnasts in the whole country and for any club to have three gymnasts in attendance proves the high standard of coaching available to them.

Micia Falaki (11), Jade Falkner (11) and Laura Halford (9) all equipped themselves magnificently well and proved why they are already ranked amongst the top rhythmic gymnasts in their respective age groups. Scores on day one the all around competition were very respectable all three girls scoring exceptionally well, but if that wasn’t enough the girl’s lived up to Esprit standards by surprising even themselves.

Jade Faulkner qualified her Hoop routine for the second day, individual apparatus final, ensuring that she finished as one of the top seven gymnasts in the country. Whilst young Laura Halford only 9 years old, competing against children up to two years older than her, qualified both her ball and free routines for day two and missed out on the overall Bronze medal position by less than 0.025 of a point. Amazing stuff.

Day two of the competition just got better and to round off an unbelievable weekend for the girls and spectators alike Laura Halford scored amazing Silver and Bronze medals in the two individual apparatus finals. Exceptional results from three exceptional young athletes who are now officially three of the top rhythmic gymnasts in the Country.

Everyone at Esprit gymnastics is exceptionally proud of these young lady’s and they deserve to be applauded for the high standards they set themselves, their attention to detail and sheer hard work they put into their sport. They really are true champions and we think you will continue to hear a great deal in the future about these exceptional athletes.

If anyone is interested in seeing the girls perform Esprit are holding a gymnastics display at the Academy on 11 and 18 December (18 December is already sold out). Tickets £2 from 01793 822262.

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