Date: Saturday 7th April 2018 - Sunday 8th April 2018 at Medway Park, Gillingham
Entries close: 2018-02-12
Entry ages: 9 years +
April saw the start of the National qualifying events with the 1st English Qualifying competition of 2018. The English Qualifying events are open to gymnasts from England taking part in individual Trampoline, synchronised trampoline and double mini-tramp events. With competitors in both Silver and Gold taking part from Cangaroos, it looked like it was going to be a busy weekend for the gymnasts, coaches and our officials.
The Saturday was for the Silver events and Cangaroos were delighted that two of our coaches competed in the 17+ Men's event. After Round 1, Luis Pires was well placed for a top spot in 4th and Alasdair Macrae just behind in 5th. Unfortunately, an error from Luis on his 6th skill of his 2nd round routine led to a spectacular exit and meant he finished the competition in 10th place. Ali meanwhile managed a steady error free second round and consolidated his 5th position to provide a good springboard for his rankings and hopefully qualification to the English Championships in October. Ali finished the competition in 5th place following an improved routine in the final, but not enough to make the medals this time.
On Sunday, Luis took on one of the officials role as a DMT judge, while our Gold competitors took to the competition floor. This year the competition saw a marked increase in quality, especially as both English Gymnastics and British Gymnastics announced that the English and British selectors would be using this competition as a selection event for both the British and English teams. Consequently, the very best in England were competing in order to catch the selectors eye.
First up was Macy Dexter, competing in the Women’s 11-12 event and the first time competing at this level. Two steady routines saw her finish the competition in 20th place. A good showing for a first time out at this level.
Next up were Gabriel Strydom-Green and Abhi Marlow-McDonald competing in the Men’s 13-14 event. After Round 1, Gabe was in 10th place and Abhi was in 12th, both performing steady routines. An error from Abhi after his 1st move ended his competition, but a strong 2nd routine from Gabe saw him climb to 5th place, which earned him significant ranking for the English Championships and qualified him the days final. All the boys improved their scores in the Final, but Gabe did well to finish in 5th place. A great result.
Later in the day our 17-21 Men’s competitors took to the floor, James Able, Zach Goggin and Matt Burson. With three current British Squad members taking part, it was going to be hard to for our boys, especially as they were some of the youngest competitors. All three boys scored well in the 1st round, but with the level set high they ended the round with Zach in 9th, Matt in 11th and James in 15th. All three boys completed their highest ever difficulty in competitive routines for the 2nd round, with Zach also setting a personal best for his Time of Flight score. They finished the round with James making strides to 11th place, Zach placed 12 with just 0.09 between them. Matt improved his position to 7th and made the final. A slight improvement in his Final score wasn’t enough to improve his position and he finished the competition in 7th place. A good result from all the boys considering the calibre of the competitors and great exposure to the highest level of competition.
Our final event of the day was the Junior synchro (under 15 boys). Gabe and Abhi were pairing up again after their success in the League competitions last year. Two consistent routines scored highly for synchronisation and saw them take 2nd place and the Silver medal, and just about assured their qualification to the English Championships, at least in the Synchro competition.
As usual we say thanks to our officials and coaches, Luis, Laura, Frankie and Tony. Without their commitment and time, we couldn’t take part in these events.
We look forward now to the first of the British Qualifiers, the Spring Event Series which takes place in Telford on 28th & 29th April. We wish all our competitors the very best of luck with that competition.