Richmond Gymnastics Association's gymnasts to represent Great Britain
By Tilly O'Brien
16th Aug 2024 | Local News
Gymnasts from Richmond Gymnastics Association (RGA) are "thrilled to proudly represent Great Britain and showcase their spectacular sport" at the upcoming World Acrobatic Championships in Guimaraes, Portugal from 9 - 23 September.
Competing from 16 - 22 September are:
- Louis Alexander, 19, Freddie Turner, 19, Rex Booth, 18, and Samuel Ditchburn, 18, in the Senior Men's Group.
- Michaela Cook, 26, Amber Harvey, 23, and Sophia Gold, 15, in the Senior Women's Group.
Competing in the Junior and Age Group Championships from 9 - 15 September are:
- Toby Cooper-Driver, 17, and Leela Ramini, 14, in the Junior Mixed Pair.
- Chloe Bartholomew, 18, Charlotte Dawson, 17, and Isla Henderson 12, in the 12 - 18 Age Group, Women's Group.
- • Christoph Tilroe, 17, and Louisa Szalacsi, 14, in the 12 - 18 Age Group, Mixed Pair.
Melanie Sanders, RGA's Head of Acrobatics, said: "Although Acrobatic Gymnastics is visually stunning and impressive, it has yet to be included in the Olympic programme, so we are delighted to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in September.
"Some of our gymnasts are competing for Great Britain for the first time and our Senior partnerships have been together less than a year."
She added: "We are very proud of all our gymnasts, their hard work and their commitment. We hope they enjoy the experience of competing for their country."
Louisa and Isla are competing for Great Britain for the first time.
Both girls heard the news on their way back from a summer break with their respective families, after British Gymnastics sent the news directly to their parents.
Isla was discovered in one of RGA's recreational classes at Grena Road before moving to the Acrobatics squad at the age of seven.
She said: "I'm really excited to be going to Worlds. I found the Olympics, especially Simone Biles' vaults really inspiring, and I can't wait to go to Portugal."
Louisa has a background in ballet and also started Acrobatics at the age of seven.
She said: "I'm so excited to be representing Great Britain. I found Jordan Chiles really inspiring and of course Simone Biles too; they really showed that hard work pays off."
Attending the World Championships is partly self-funded, including funding for accommodation, travel, and competition attire.
Find out how you can support RGA's gymnasts here.
Keep up to date with all their preparations, training, travel, competition live streams and more on Instagram.
RGA is a local charity that was founded in 1992 and teaches gymnastics to over 1500 children and young people in the borough.
New teddington Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: teddington jobs
Share: