Released 9 March 2006

Medal winning Courtney & Carla aiming to make it 2 in a row.

Esprit Gymnast Courtney Hows (11) continued where she left off last year with a GOLD winning performance at the South West Club Grades competition held at the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics in Melksham last week. Last year Courtney won the club grade 3 title outright and then, as part of the South West team, went on to secure team Gold and overall Bronze at the British Club Grades Championship in Kettering.

This year making the team was set to be even tougher, with all the South West’s best club gymnasts back and trying to secure one of only four places available in the South West team. Courtney however was up to the task and with solid performances on Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor scored a ‘distinction’ with just under 37 marks out of a possible 40 to win her second Gold medal at this event in the last 2 years.

Silver was taken by Wiltshire School gymnast, Lauren Gale and the Bronze medal position was secured by Courtney’s team mate and training partner Carla Williams (11). Carla was ecstatic to win bronze and make the team that will see her make her debut at the National finals with Courtney next month in Birmingham. “The South West has an incredible pedigree in this event winning 6 times in recent years so the girls will have a lot to live up to” said Katy Smith, head coach at Esprit, “it will be a great experience for the girls and I am sure they will do themselves and the club proud. Lots of the clubs other gymnasts have already booked their tickets to go to Birmingham and support the Esprit girls and the team on the 30 April”.

Courtney and Carla weren’t the only Esprit gymnasts to show their talents on the day however, with Emily Upshall (12), Erin Milroy (10) and Victoria Sutton (10) all passing their Club Grade 3 award. Daisy Rolt (11) passed her Club Grade 2, and as 7th overall missed out on a trip to Birmingham by a very small margin. Esprit Youngster Abbie McKenzie who is only (9) not only passed her Compulsory level 4, but came 5th overall and secured herself a place as travelling reserve in the South West team for the British Levels final to boot. This was Abbie’s first major competition and excelled herself to win a place ahead of many other accomplished youngsters.

“We’re now just entering our third year since opening in December 2003 and the talents of Swindon children really has started to shine through, things are already shaping up to be another great competition year for Esprit gymnasts”, concluded Katy.

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