FORT Regent Gymnastics’ trip to Warrington was as much about enjoyment as winning.
However, the team led by Julia Falle did not have to compromise, returning to the Island with a total of 18 medals and two artistry awards from the Hannah Whelan 2022 Invitational.
Nine-year-old’s Myla-Rose Barry and Bobbi Billington both won overall gold medals and trophies in the novice and intermediate categories respectively.
Competing in the set work gymnasts were Arya Richardson, Libby Myers and Brianne Barry – all competing in their first UK competition.
The trio made a great impression in their performances with Barry winning the artistry award for floor and finishing on vault in fourth place.
Richardson was presented with a special award and also claimed three silver medals for her vault, floor and in the overall placings with Myers finishing in a creditable fourth on the vault.
In the Pre-Novice Category [9/10 years], Charlotte Rodrigues and Isla Taylor held their own on debut in a strong fieldof gymnasts, with beautiful performances on the floor and vault while Abigail Ibberson competed in the 11 years category, winning both an artistry award and a special award, while claiming a silver on vault and bronze in the overall.
In the 9 year novice category Barry shone through with some polished performances and artistryon the floor to take the gold, while her dynamic display on vault won her the silver.
She was ultimately crowned overall champion winning the gold medal and trophy.
On the final day of competition it was the turn of the intermediate girls, who proved inspired by two-time Olympian gymnast Hannah Whelan.
Her words of wisdom to go out there, smile and have a great time clearly stuck.
In the nine and ten years category, the Regent girls took the top three podium places on floor with Georgia Simey, Florence Irwin and Billington finishing in that order.
Onto vault it was Billington who won gold with her dynamic and powerful vault as Simey took silver.
Billington placed first to win the overall trophy and gold medal, narrowly ahead of Simey.
Irwin was the recipient of a special award, presented to her by Olympian Whelan.
There was additional success in the 11-year-old category with Mylie Hitchmough taking gold for vault, as Tilly Le Boutillier took bronze.
Hitchmough also won a further two silver medals for floor and overall.
Coach Falle said: ‘It was such a well organised and friendly competition and the atmosphere was electric with all the cheering and support from the crowds and fellow gymnasts.
‘It also made it extra special having Hannah Whelan interacting with the gymnasts and coaches throughout the competition.
‘We all had a brilliant time and are very much looking forward to work towards our next UK competition in the autumn.’
