Year 7 Pupil Strikes Gold To Become British Champion 

Gymnast Courtney is a British champion on the bars.

The Year 7 pupil celebrated gold on the bars in the British Gymnastics Disability Artistic Championships in the Junior Under 12s Physical category.

She competes for Wire Gymnastics Club and took home an array of medals including silver for her overall performance, silver in the vault and bronze in the floor and beam in the national championships.

Courtney has hypermobility which means she suffers from pain daily and is prone to injury.

“This was the first time I had taken part in a disability event as I usually compete in the competitions for everyone, even though I am at a disadvantage,” said Courtney.

“I enjoyed the competition as it was fun and friendly but also competitive.

“Hypermobility affects my ankles, they are a weak spot, so it is difficult to do sport and I am more prone to injury which could stop me doing something I really enjoy.

“I have been a gymnast for around eight years, my mum used to do gymnastics and I went for a trial at a friend’s club and loved it from the start.

“I train around 10-12 hours a week. I would like to do more but can’t because of my hypermobility.

“Bars is one of my favourite disciplines although I am confident on the beam.”