Springfit held their annual beam and trampette gymnastics competitions at Oakwood Sports Centre in Horley on Sunday 8th July 2018 in very warm conditions.
Over 100 spectators turned out to see their children in action, starting with many impressive performances on arguably the most difficult of gymnastics disciplines – the beam. For most people just walking along the apparatus is tricky enough, but confident youngsters performed handstands, cartwheels and other difficult moves with pinpoint accuracy to land on the 10cm wide beam and received rapturous applause from their friends and family in the audience supporting them.
There were three different ability groups ranging from beginner level on the medium height beam through to advanced gymnasts on the riskier high beam. As the routines got harder, the response grew from the audience and the crowning glory of the medal ceremony was a high reward for those who impressed the judges most with their control and execution of each move.
The variations of performance in the linking dance moves was a chance for the gymnasts to express themselves, which they did with aplomb. This carries bonus marks for the talented gymnasts who made the most of telling their story through the performances and certainly enhanced the enjoyment of the afternoon for all involved.
The beam competiton results are published here.
Following on from the beam competition was the popular trampette competition which started around 4pm. There were many categories that were split by age groups as well as difficulty level, as lots of children chose their best moves to show off in the air after they flew from the mini trampoline and stuck the landing on the mats.
The event started with grade 1 including shaped jumps and half twists, popular with the younger gymnasts, many of whom were competing for the first time. By the end of the afternoon, some of the more experienced gymnasts were shocking the audience with twisting somersaults and high flying dive-rolls. It was a great culmination to what is always a popular discipline. One of the simplest pieces of apparatus, in contrast to the beam, but requiring a very high degree of control. The slightest misjudgement on run up or take off can lead to a lack of control in flight and the judges were keenly scoring each and every aspect of the speedy displays.
The focus and awareness each and every participant displayed was commendable, with so many high scores being read out by the organisers at the end of the day. Those who took to the podium at the end were proud as punch to be hanging a medal around their neck to take away and show off to people.
Chair of Judges Adam said “some of the categories were so close to call, with a difference in score of 0.03 marks in some cases. Each and every one of these children should be so proud of their achievements today. The two disciplines require so much concentration and they all did really well.”
The trampette competition results are published here.
Pictured below are the medal winners from the trampette competition.
