Young Sheffield gymnasts take gold at national contest

The team of boys, from Mundella Primary School, Norton, took home gold at the Team Milano National contest earlier this month, making them GB National Winners.

A mixed gender team from the school also finished runners-up out of 19 teams in their category, as well as achieving third in the regional trophy contest.

One of the mixed team members, Jessica Rodgers, also wowed the judges to be awarded overall top score within the mixed category.

The teams of three our four children were all in the under 11 age group.

Whole School Assistant Sarah Barwell, who choreographed all the pupil’s routines said: “It’s a massive achievement for the boys and girls after lots of hard work.

“We are just a small primary school trying to compete in gymnastics at regional and national level after many years of hard work.

“We have made it to the finals before but in the 13 years I have been coaching a Yorkshire Team has never won or even come close.”

She added that the children are dedicated to the sport and spend as much time as they can perfecting their routines.

She said:“We practice in our school hall, which is only the size of a badminton court, before school once a week for an hour.

“When its the lead up to competitions I have to choreograph routines for each child individually and we have to steal some time either before school or after all the after school clubs have finished.

“We even come in at holidays as the hall is always in use during the term time and we only have one hall.”

Each child performed a one minute routine, including six moves showcasing their skills in balance, strength, flexibility, leaps, spins, jumps and vaults.

They also completed a group routine, lasting 100 seconds, which included five moves and two group balances.