Swindon School of Gymnastics Senior Sweep

The Swindon School of Gymnastics (SSG) Club was recently represented by 8 adult members at the British Veterans Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Newcastle. The group returned to Swindon with an astonishing 15 medals, a trophy and 7 British Champions!

Due to the location and being a little later in the year, this competition was less popular than usual. However there were still a creditable 87 competitors from 37 different British Clubs.

SSG did the town and their coaches Wendy Payne and John Hall proud. John quoted ”we couldn’t ask for a nicer group of people to work with . Everyone is so supportive of each other and I’m so proud of them all. I would also like to thank the travelling supporters who were by far the loudest during the competition. It’s just a shame we have no sponsor and have to fund everything ourselves”

Ladies Results:

Women’s Recreational 4 Piece Competition Over 19
Kelly Newton made her brave and debut in the competition. Gaining the highest mark on both the vault and Asymmetric Bars, she was awarded the gold medal and title.

Women’s Intermediates 4 Piece Competition Over 19
Beth Bermingham also made her debut and her consistent performances on all of the 4 pieces of apparatus earnt her 3rd place and the bronze medal. Lauren Cordingley was the oldest competitor in the group and performed 2 new skills so was delighted to finish a close 4th place.

Women’s Formers 4 Piece Competition Over 19
Laurissa Hyner-Anderson achieved third place and won the bronze medal in this popular event.

Women’s Formers 4 Piece Competition Over 30
Christine Bishop is SSG’s most experienced team member and her clean beam routine earnt her a fantastic 2nd place. She was elated at taking home her first ever individual medal.

Gents Results:

Men’s Recreational 6 piece Competition Over 19
Gary Burton was the oldest in the group, but obtaining the highest mark on the pommel horse, rings and high bar earnt him the gold medal and title.

Men’s Recreational 6 piece Competition Over 50
John Hall continues to enjoy his gymnastics at 51 years old. His high floor score earnt him 2nd place and the silver medal.

Men’s Formers  6 piece Competition Over 30
Ashley Russell made his debut and excelled himself to win the gold medal and title.

Team Results:
5 teams entered and Swindon had 2 of them. Mixed Team 1 won the trophy and Mixed Team 2 came second so this was a lovely end to a long day and ensured that every town gymnast, came home with at least one medal.

Mixed Team 1
Lauren Cordingley, Gary Burton, John Hall and Laurissa Hyner-Anderson.

Mixed Team 2
Beth Bermingham, Ashley Russell, Kelly Newton and Christine Bishop

Pictured
Back row left to right: Gary Burton, John Hall, Ashley Russell
Middle Row left to right: Kelly Newton, Lauren Cordingley, Laurissa Hyner-Anderson, Christine Bishop
Front: Beth Birmingham