Team England’s rhythmic gymnastics squad have been continuing their build-up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with a productive training week at the University of Bath Sports Training Village.
Mimi-Isabella Cesar in training at the University of Bath (Photo: Matchtight)
Squad members Mimi-Isabella Cesar and Stephani Sherlock also took the opportunity to finalise their preparations for the 2017 World University Games, taking place in Taipei next week.
Overseeing the camp once again was City of Bath Rhythmic Gymnastics Club’s Sarah Moon, who guided Team GB’s first-ever squad to qualify for an Olympic Games during London 2012 and was Team England Coach at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games when England won a bronze team medal.
“It’s been fantastic again at the University of Bath and staying on campus makes everything easier for the gymnasts with the training and recovery time,” she said.
“Training has gone really well. It’s been a chance to reflect after the British Championships and an opportunity to work on new routines and difficulties to take into the new season, which includes the Commonwealth Games trials.
City of Bath Senior squad with coaches Sarah Moon and Laura Austin at the British Championships (Photo: Matchtight)
“We have also had the chance to invite two junior gymnasts with England potential to attend the camp and work with the team and coaching staff. Both are from Ribby Hall near Blackpool and this will be an invaluable experience on the next step in their own journey.
“As we prepare we are following the ‘making the lion roar, pride’ England values of inspiring not just our current athletes but also the next generation.”
The training camp comes hot on the heels of the British Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool where City of Bath, who do some of their training at the University, enjoyed great success in both the junior and senior competitions.
The Espoir (U12) squad of Kashvi, Elena, Rosie, Elisabeth, Emily and Elle, coached by Laura Austin, were crowned as all-round British Champions for the second year running, also winning hoop gold and free routine silver.
“I am so proud of the girls who have worked incredibly hard to get here,” Austin said. “To win two years in a row is a great achievement and the competition was incredibly tough.”
The senior squad of Sarah, Tiola, Lily, Lola and Selena, coached by Moon, also won hoop gold and took silver in the all-round competition, as well as for their rope and ball routines.
“I am really proud of the all the gymnasts who qualified for the British Championships,” said Moon. “It’s a really prestigious event and being held at the Liverpool Echo Arena has made the event even more special and exciting.
“The whole club has pulled together to support these gymnasts and the results speak for themselves. Congratulations to everyone.”
Two City of Bath gymnasts also competed in the individual events. Elena G, in the U12 category, won silver for her free routine and was fourth in the ribbon, ball and clubs. Elisa R was fourth in ribbon and fifth in clubs in the Junior finals – a huge achievement as this was her first year of competing in the UK.
City of Bath Rhythmic Gymnastics Club run classes for beginners from the age of five through to Elite competition squads – visit http://www.cityofbathrhythmic.com/ for further details.
Report courtesy of the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd.
Lead photo shows the Espoir squad with coaches Sarah Moon and Laura Austin at the British Championships.
