Spelthorne triumphs

Three young Rhythmic Gymnasts from the Esprit Academy proved just what talent for the sport Swindon has. The three 7, 8 and 10 year olds travelled to Spelthorne in Middlesex for the Spelthorne Elite – Competition For All and competing against some of the best children from clubs as far a field as Wales, Northampton and Brighton, scooped a hat full of medals.

Clarice Saloyedoff (8) was first up in the under 8 novice ‘Hoop’ and ‘Free’ sections and with superb displays clinched 1st place and GOLD in both! Next up was young Laura Halford (7) and still to young to enter grade competitions, wowed the judges to win two creditable SILVERS next to Clarices gold’s.

Things then got even better for Laura who after ‘winning the raffle’ was voted ‘gymnast with the most potential’ by all of the 12 judges attending the event. Praise indeed for someone so very young. The day was then capped off by a wonderful ‘Free’ routine by April Coombes (10) in the under 10, novice competition, which was rewarded with another well-deserved SILVER medal.

Deb Hows the head Rhythmic Coach at the Esprit Academy said “I am so proud of them, if these young children can put in performances like these, against some of the best young gymnasts in the country, when we train in halls totally unsuitable, then I can only imagine what they will be capable of when we do ‘eventually’ find a home of our own”.

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