Bracknell

Bracknell Leisure Centre's gymnastics club for seven-to-11 year olds have been crowned British champions following success at the National British Team Gym Championships in Gloucestershire on Saturday (April 21).

The Bracknell Falcons Primary Mixed Team Gymnastics Squad competed superbly in the four required elements of floor, trampette, tumble and vault, and wowed audiences with their high level of skill.

The team were competing as south of England champions and were challenging teams from across the country. They train at the leisure centre three times a week and are coached by Stuart Woods and Michelle Rudge.

In the first event, the team performed a dazzling display of backflips, somersaults and twisting somersaults at high speed on the tumble track. Team members had to show a forward tumble, a backward tumble and a tumble of the gymnasts' choice.

The Bracknell competitors then boosted their overall score with an outstanding trampette routine featuring somersaults with twists which really impressed the judges.

However, it was the floor routine where the 14 gymnasts brought home the gold. The leaps, spins, balances and acrobatics in synchronisation looked second to none.

Leisure centre manager Phil Dodds said: "I am thrilled the Falcons have won this competition and proves we have some real gymnastic talent here in Bracknell Forest.

"I would like to congratulate the team and cannot wait for them to represent the borough again next year as they defend this prestigious title."

For more details on how to get started in gymnastics or in Team Gym at Bracknell Leisure Centre, call 01344 454203, or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council