TONBRIDGE Grammar School were turning cartwheels after picking up two bronze medals at the Gymnastics Acrobatic and Tumbling National Championship finals at Fenton Manor in Stoke.
First on the floor to represent the school was Rebecca Ng in the Over-14 tumbling competition. She executed three different sequences, showing all of her strength and power.
In a very strong category, she was awarded a highly commendable bronze, placing her third in the UK out of 24 finalists.
The school’s six-strong Under-14 Group Acrobatics team then gave an excellent demonstration of timing, skill and artistry.
The team consisted of Charlotte Ng, Fleur Jenkins, Madeleine Arnell, Millie Lipman, Florence Wells and Emily Murray.
The margin for error was small as every detail of the sequences was scrutinised. After an outstanding performance, the group was also placed third.
The Under-19 Acrobatics Pair of Eleanor Barrett and Izzy Kerslake also delivered a flawless routine full of synchronicity with energy and finesse.
The standard was extremely high, which showed in the results as they achieved the fifth highest score – just 0.1pts off third place.
The final performance was by Charlotte Ng in the Under-14 Tumbling. Demonstrating her versatility, she showed the judges her repertoire including an impressive round-off double flick back somersault.
She was competing against girls who were two years her senior, and gained valuable competition experience as her focus and determination saw her placed seventh and ranked 12th nationally.
Julia Duncan, the school’s head of Physical Education, said: ‘This is another impressive set of results for our gymnasts, who all work exceptionally hard to achieve the high standards of performance they reach.
‘All in all, the girls were a credit to the school. Huge thanks must go firstly to our dedicated and committed coach Mrs Tania Cattoor and also to the valued and continued support of parents.’
PHOTO: FINE BALANCE: The Under-14 Group Acrobatics team show their skills