Huntingdon Olympic Gym Club secretary ERICA MacKENZIE continues her regular insight into competitions and life at the gym. WE FINISHED off the summer term at the gymnasium with our fourth annual Recreational Competition. The first leg was for girls aged

Huntingdon Olympic Gym Club secretary ERICA MacKENZIE continues her regular insight into competitions and life at the gym.

WE FINISHED off the summer term at the gymnasium with our fourth annual Recreational Competition.

The first leg was for girls aged five and six and each gymnast performed a well-practised routine on the floor, beam and vault.

There were moments of tension and nervousness, but these were soon overcome, with the help of the cheering crowds on the balcony.

The second and third legs quickly followed for the girls in the older age groups, with the atmosphere inside the gym reaching fever pitch.

After the scores were totted up and plenty of medals handed out - 13-year-old Holly Dickinson was named overall winner.

She was then presented with the Elsie Berwick Cup by none other than long-time club supporter Elsie herself.

The noise level was raised up a notch when it came to the boys.

Each gymnast received a medal for their efforts and the final leg saw elite gymnasts from the club judging the young proteges.

At the close of the evening it was eight-year-old Joe Brown who emerged on top, again lifting the Elsie Berwick Cup.

The competitions were a great success and could only take place thanks to the hard work and dedication of the coaches, staff and volunteers, plus Brian Stock in the car park.

The event raised more than £400 for the gym, with thanks going to the mums who organised the cakes and drinks and a successful raffle.

On a competitive note, four of our elite girls travelled to Scotland and Ireland for their National Championships.

Emma White returned home with the overall senior gold medal, as well as a gold on each piece of apparatus.

Tori Simpson won the overall junior gold medal, taking three apparatus medals, while twin sister Kati won the bronze medal on the vault.

Charlotte McKenna travelled to Ireland where she picked up the overall junior gold medal.

Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Alex Brailsford, who has been selected to represent England in the School Games, in Coventry, in September.

The rest of our senior elite squad is preparing for the forthcoming World event in Stuttgart, in September.

Our recreational classes resume on September 10, but our parents and toddler sessions continue through the school holidays for ages five and under. Contact the gym on 01480 52343.