Wednesday 1 April 2015

BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT

British Championships 2015

This weekend saw the Battle of the Brits as the top British gymnasts fought it out to become the next British Champion. Here is a look at some of the gymnasts that stood out for me over the weekend. For the full results via the British Gymnastics website click here.

Amy Tinkler
The new British Champion, Amy looked up to the challenge from the start. Only her first senior year, she saw off the competition and kept her nerve throughout. Solid on all four apparatus, her standout routine has to be on floor. With her opening pass of a full twisting double straight she makes the whole thing look so easy. Making three apparatus finals, she also took the Gold medal on Floor. She really was a joy to watch and a very deserving winner.

Claudia Fragapane
The Golden Girl of the Commonwealth Games, it was not an easy weekend for Claudia despite her taking the Silver medal in the All Around. She started with mistakes, catching her feet on the bars and falling on beam. However, she kept it altogether and produced one of the most outstanding floor routines I have seen. She hit every tumble and really brought the floor to life. She was rewarded with a 14.900, the highest score of the weekend. She finished on vault with her usual power and style. It wasn't over for Claudia then though. She made all four apparatus finals and came away with an amazing four medals: Gold on vault, Silver on floor and Bronze on bars and beam.

Ellie Downie
Proving this weekend that she is not just Becky Downie's little sister, Ellie stormed to third place All Around in her first senior year. It wasn't all plain sailing though. Starting on floor, Ellie landed one tumbling pass out of the floor area and sat down on another. She kept going though and strong performances on the other three pieces saw her finish with the Bronze. She then went on to take two apparatus medals, Silver on bars and Bronze on vault. The Downies are definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Kelly Simm
Finishing in a good 4th position, Kelly reminded us how powerful she is with some fantastic tumbling and vaulting. I particularly enjoyed watching her on those two apparatus and it was good to see her come away with a good result.

Tyesha Mattis
Recovering from injury and therefore only working two apparatus, Tyesha nevertheless proved that the power and strength she showed us as a junior is still very much there. She gave fantastic performances on both bars and beam which got her into both apparatus finals and followed this by taking both Gold medals. A great way to make a comeback!

Lisa Mason
Still going strong at a mere 33 years of age, Lisa finished an impressive 7th All Around. Known previously for her work on vault it was her floor routine that captured the attention this weekend. Strong and dynamic with some great tumbling, it was a great routine to watch. Also making three apparatus finals I was delighted to see Lisa come away with the Bronze medal on floor.

Georgina Hockenhull
Always an elegant gymnast who I love to watch, Georgina came to the competition only competing on beam. Despite a fall she still managed to qualify for the final where she took the Silver medal.