Date: Friday 12th October 2018 - Sunday 14th October 2018 at EIS Sheffield
Entries close: -0001-11-30
Entry ages: 9 years +
The final of the English Championships was hosted in Sheffield at the EIS. This was the final round of the competition with national titles up for grabs and we had four gymnasts enter this year.
On the Friday Ali and Sydney arrived along with supporting coaches Laura and Franky. Orientation took place Friday evening with promising warm ups from both gymnasts. Familiar faces from other clubs could be seen around the hall and the team made the most of the two hours to get ready for competition.
That evening a visit to coach to coast fed the hunger with Syd doing her best to reassemble the classic burger for the waitress. After the meal all returned to the hotels for the weekend of competition ahead.
First up was Ali in the 17+ boys Silver level where he lined up against some high difficulty routines. Despite some good runs int he warm up he made a mistake in the compulsory routine and was scored out of nine moves. Despite making ground in the second routine he was unable to make up the deficit and finished in a disappointing 10th - better luck next year.
Syd followed him but sadly also came off the end of the trampoline in a disappointing but nonetheless impressively flexible roll ending her chances for a medal too. Despite the disappointment the team ventured off for a walk to prepare for the arrival of Sunday's gymnasts; Gabe and Abhi.
Orientation Saturday evening saw Gabe and Abhi practicing for synchro and individual competitions in the gold tier level. After a productive session all ventured off to Pizza express for a "healthy" dose of nourishment then back to their hotels.
As Sunday started at 7:30 for the team (yes that was appreciated) Abhi and Gabe warmed up for their synchro routines as Ali was assigned as a reserve judge for the day. The boys performed solidly and came home a respectable 3rd place for their last competition as a pair.
No rest for the wicked though and they were straight back in to warm up for the individual in the same group. Gabe went first with a stunning first routine scoring high 8s to 9s. Abhi sadly could not match it and clipped the end deck on move nine. With Gabe in prime position to medal the pressure got slightly to much and he came off in his second routine which was truly unlucky for him. Abhi made up ground in the second routine but could not make the final round.
This year was not our year at English Championships but you can bet we will be back next year to put that right. We now look forward to the start of the regional season in Harlow and the club competition in December.