Gymnasts flying high!
Thirteen gymnasts from Dukeries Academy are jumping for joy after passing their regional grades.
The youngsters travelled to Leicester’s New College to compete against top talents from around the county.
Abbie Brooks, aged eight, won vault and silver on bars in the youngest age group (Grade 14) and finished seventh overall, followed closely by Hattie Jackson, eight, and seven-year-old Gabi Soler.
Isobel Lin, eight, and Millie Grievson, eight, competed and passed in Grade 13.
Coach Naomi Johnson said: “The girls excelled in every performance and the coaches at the academy are very proud to have such talented young gymnasts coming through the academy.”
In the afternoon, eight girls from the academy performed in the out of age category.
Sara Smith, aged ten, led the way by taking second place on the beam gaining a distinction overall, followed by Charlie Marshall, ten, Maisie Wilkinson, nine, Hannah Millar, eight, Rosie Howard, nine, and Maisy Cairns, eight.
“For all girls it was their first time at a grading event and in the Grade 14,” added Naomi.
“All the girls have worked hard for such a challenging competition and deserve their success and are now training for county championships and other competitions.”