Let's Get Ready To Tumble!
16-YEAR-OLD Samantha Thompson has begun preparations for October’s National Pre-grades and County gymnastics competitions at Temple Park, South Tyneside.
The ‘Pre-grade’ qualifier is the opening round of the National Pairs and Group Finals and winning offers the opportunity for Stockton-based Samantha to show off her skills in the National finals.
She will participate in the Pairs with 10-year-old Alice Smith, Groups with Nikki Wilson, 20, and Hayley Blackburn, 10, and individual Tumbling events.
At present her training regime consists of eight-and-a-half hours spread across three sessions per week. As the event approaches, training emphasis will shift from conditioning, routines and presentation to completing full tumbles and full routines.
Samantha began gymnastics training when she was seven years old and her commitment has proven to be rewarding with many achievements, perhaps most notably winning the gold medal in the Regional Finals last year.
Most recently, Samantha won the National Level 2 tumbling 15+ category in the Regional Finals held at Temple Park, South Tyneside. This win earned the opportunity to represent the North of England in the National Finals held at Fenton Manor in Stoke, Samantha proving herself 6th best in the country.
In between training and competitions, Samantha coaches at Stockton Sports Centre and is looking to take her Club Coach in Sports Acrobatics early next year.
To participate in gymnastics or information on gymnastics classes, please contact Stockton Sports Centre on (01642) 528 282, Thornaby Pavilion on (01642) 760 971 and Billingham Forum on (01642) 551 381.