English Championships 2010
New College Gymnastics Centre, Leicester
Report by Fef Griffin



This years Championships were particularly important having been named as a selection event for the European and World Championships in addition to Commonwealth Games. With so much at stake the entry was unusually high with a formidable field in all three age groups in the Men’s events.

Joel Burch, Courtney Tullloch and James Hall were the only gymnasts representing a Kent club, with the County having no one performing in the Women’s section. With only three age groups Joel had to compete in the senior section despite still being under 18. Joel worked hard but disappointing errors crept in mainly due to his pre-event training being disrupted by recovery from a shoulder injury sustained in the snow earlier in the year. Nevertheless a great experience to work alongside seasoned International and Olympic performers and a useful warm up for the London Open next weekend.

Courtney and James in the final round of Juniors started on Pommel both swinging smooth routines and off to a flying start in the chase to catch Frank Baines the first round leader who already had a magnificent 82.40 overall score in the bag. Rings next, Good routine by James with a double twisting somersault dismount to stick but an awesome one by Courtney, who has made this piece his own over the last year. Clean holds and quality swings with accurate technique looked effortless leaving him a mere 0.1 behind Frank. On to Vault where less than a minute decides a gymnast’s fate. Courtney nailed a straight Tsukahara but James was less fortunate, being unable to control a dynamic well rotated vault resulting over 1.5 in penalties for steps, a fall and an injured ankle. Elegant and clean on Parallel Bars, accurate release and catches on High Bar with errors limited James struggling to stick his dismounts due to his ankle. A quick visit to the physio by James, as they moved to, Floor, for their final apparatus. A slight reduction in difficulty and James did well to perform a clean elegant routine to complete the competition finishing in 6th place overall – an excellent all round result. Courtney bounced on the floor, double front somersault with prodigious height and total control, a score of 13.35 and an overall total of 81.55 – 0.85 behind Frank to take the Silver medal. Work on his weaker apparatus was well rewarded with two apparatus titles on Floor and Rings and Bronze on the other 4 apparatus. Quite a tally in the first competition of the year.

Courtney Tulloch 2nd, James Hall 6th and Pegasus one of only two clubs with 2 gymnasts in the top 6!

For more information about Pegasus Gymnastics visit www.pegasusgc.org

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Page created: 13 March 2010