ISGA 2018 2-piece National Championships Qualifiers

Early in the morning last Friday, sixteen excited gymnasts gathered at SSV and departed for Stamford, England. 

The entire bus journey was Christmas themed, with the students singing a variety of Christmas songs at the top of their lungs. We arrived safe and sound at the hotel, introduced the gymnasts to their room buddies for the trip and they all had a hearty English meal at the Harvester.

Saturday was the big day for the U11 team. The pressure was on as the team consisted of only four gymnasts which meant that all four scores counted on each apparatus! The U11 team gave the performance of their lives and placed 6th overall in the team finals! Additionally, Amelie placed an amazing 2^nd  out of 57 gymnasts in the individual all-round finals! The girls were over the moon with their achievements.

Saturday afternoon was easily the most eagerly anticipated part of the trip for everyone… Tesco! The students gathered up their pennies and had the opportunity to buy a selection of English treats.

Sunday morning was an early start for the seniors as the U13 team were on in the first round. The U13 team had an amazing competition, the girls all performed their best and even though the U13s gained no podium placement, the competition was invaluable experience for the National Championships in March and the girls came home more motivated than ever.

Finally, the U15 team’s time to shine. The team started on voluntary vault where Sara G. performed an amazing stick on her first vault gaining her a huge applause from the audience. All the girls pulled quality vaults out of the bag and the team walked to their next apparatus grinning ear to ear. The girls all performed incredible set floors and by the time the medal ceremony came around, the team were wrecked with nerves, crossing their fingers hoping that they had done enough! The organizers started to announce the U15 individual all-round podium places. As the places were being announced, the coaches were frantically adding up scores and then - our very own Sara G. was announced as the U15 champion! When her name was called, the whole team went wild applauding their team mate! Sara proudly stood front and centre representing the BSN with pride – what a fantastic achievement!  Last to be announced – The U15 team finals.

The organisers began - 6^th place was announced, 5^th place… 2^nd place…and then – BSN! The girls leaped with joy to be presented their 1^st place overall team medal and trophy and made their way to the podium. It has been YEARS since the BSN have taken home the gold and the U15 team smashed it!! It was a moment that the girls will remember forever!

The girls had secretly decorated the conference room at the hotel as a surprise for Ivy’s birthday – we got back to the hotel and the teams had a Christmas themed games night with singing, dancing, balloons and a lot of cake! Celebrations all round!

All the gymnasts should be incredibly proud of their achievements. The commitment and hard work of the gymnasts shows that they are outstanding athletes. It’s safe to say that the students had a fantastic trip and made life long memories. The team bond and spirit between the students throughout the trip was inspiring!