SURBITON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTS COMPETE FOR GREAT BRITAIN AT THE 2013 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN PORTUGAL

18 Nov 2013

The School might have broken for the half term holiday, but for Surbiton High School gymnasts, Amy Mackenzie, Kitty Williams and Hannah Baughn, the ‘season’ continued.

For the Acrobatic gymnasts, Amy, Kitty and Hannah, this selection process began in February, where rival teams from Great Britain, as well as teams from Russia, Holland, Italy and Ireland, competed in Bristol for the first titles of the season.

The second ‘control ‘competition was the British Championships held in March. Hannah and her partner completed a charismatic final routine to win the competition and be crowned Junior Women’s Pair National Champions 2013.

Kitty and her partners competed in the same category as Amy and it was nail biting to see which Surbiton partnership would win the coveted title national title. Amy and her partners completed two near perfect routines, winning the well-deserved gold medal and Kitty and her partners won the silver medal.

The Great Britain team was announced in July and we were thrilled to learn that all three girls had been selected to represent their country at the 2013 European Championships in Portugal. The European Championships attracts the best acrobatic gymnasts in Europe. Traditionally the Eastern European countries and Great Britain vie for medals and this year it was no different. As in previous European competitions, each country is permitted two representatives in each discipline, but they have to compete against each other, with only the better of the two being able to qualify for the finals.

Kitty and her partners performed very well and finished in third position, well within the top eight eligible for the final, but behind the other British trio of Amy, which meant that was the end of her journey. Kitty thoroughly enjoyed her first experience of being part of Team GB and is determined to be selected for the World Championships next year.

‘I felt so proud to be representing my country for the first time and be a part of such a special team.’