It’s Monday morning and in walk Wales’ up and coming Women’s Artistic gymnasts to the National Centre. Each teenager has a dream of competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
To be even in with a shot, they must train 32 hours a week from the age of about 13 years old onwards.
A big step on their journey towards Birmingham is Gemau Cymru – Wales’ multi-sport event for young athletes.
Michalina Szostek, Welsh Gymnastics’ Performance and Excellence Coordinator, explains:
“Many of our squad members are only now beginning to experience international competition. Gemau Cymru will give our girls the chance to compete against other squad members. It is an invitational event only so it gives them the feeling of an elite competition.”
To give them an extra boost of motivation, each team will be led by a Welsh gymnast who competed at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year on the Gold Coast.
Maisie Methuen, fresh from securing two gold medals at the World Cup in Portugal last month, will be leading a team as will Emily Thomas and Jolie Ruckley.
Next door in ’ main hall, the nation’s Rhythmic Gymnastics hopefuls are also honing their skills and performing feats that seem impossible to the outside world.
With each graceful move they hope to emulate Frankie Jones and Laura Halford, who have been major contributors to Wales’ Commonwealth Games medal tally in recent years.
They too will have the opportunity to compete at Gemau Cymru:
“For many of our under 10 and under 12 squad members it will be their first major event as they haven’t yet competed internationally, so it is a great development opportunity for them,” adds Szostek.
It is a free event so Welsh Gymnastics are anticipating a good turnout:
“As well as Women’s Artistic and Rhythmic, we’ll also have Acrobatic Gymnastics. This impressive discipline is often overlooked as it’s not an Olympic or Commonwealth Games sport so it is a good chance to show it off. In fact, we’re doing something we have never done before – we’ll have all three disciplines performing at the same time so it will be a real feast of gymnastics for the audience. There will always be something exciting happening.”
And it would seem that a trip to watch these pint-sized stars in the making would be time well spent.
Gemau Cymru is a multi-sport event for the young athletes of Wales. Taking place from 6-8 July 2018 in different locations across Wales, it will provide an opportunity for talented young athletes in Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic sports to compete in a high profile multi-sport event while experiencing an athlete village environment. For more information, please visit gemaucymru.urdd.cymru/cy/
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