The Testwood Tumbling Competition - 6th July 2010

The idea behind this competition was particularly for those gymnasts who had not entered a competition before to gain the experience in a small, friendly environment. It would also allow the more experienced gymmnasts to showcase their skills.

Therefore the inaugural Testwood Tumbling Competition brought mixed emotions.

It was disappointing that out of 33 eligible gymnasts, 14 did not compete. The Abbotswood School production being moved to the same night at short notice took out 6 gymnasts and the others all seemed to fall foul of injuries and illness. What a shame.

However, for the 19 that did take part, we had a most enjoyable evening.

There were nerves aplenty, especially among the more experienced competitors (!) but mostly among the Tumble Stewards, who with so many last minute withdrawals were having to rearrange the running order on the fly - phew, were our brains hurting at the end!

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Each year during the Summer term, we test our gymnasts on 25 individual elements ranging from splits to somersaults. This produces two scores. One obviously shows a 'league table' of individual scores, but, and possibly more importantly, the other compares this year's score with last year's to show a Most Improved table. This is a most useful tool for us when planning future partnerships and progressions for the gymnasts.

We took the opportunity to present these prizes and trophy ahead of the Tumbling results. To slow the gymnasts down for next year, the prizes were all chocolate!!!!

Our highest scoring gymnast this year, with 94% was Amy, with Carys close behind on 92%. In third place with a score of 75% (which means that all the top three may choose not to test next year) was Emma.

On the Most Improved side, we have seen the winner's improvements over the last 10 years range from a respectable +18 to a massive +43, so to see Emily E and Katie finishing only 4th with +23 showed that we have some big achievers this year.

In third on +28 was Nikki, second on +36 was Zoe G, but besting them all with an almost record-breaking +42 was Jessica.

Well done girls!

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And now the tumbling results.