Two gymnasts from a Crumlin-based gymnastics academy won gold medals at the 2021 Disability British Championships over the weekend, following a lengthy spell away from the competition floor due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bethany Paull, 20, and Mia Stockley, 12, both from Valleys Gymnastics Academy, impressed at the competition, which saw some of the UK’s best disability gymnasts compete in Stoke-on-Trent.

Bethany, a Special Olympics World Summer Games medallist for Great Britain in 2019, competed in the women’s senior B class 1 competition, where she won gold on vault with a score of 10.925, before winning a second gold on floor with a score of 10.800.

She finished fourth overall in her category.

Meanwhile, Mia competed at the women’s junior B class 1 competition.

She won all around gold with a score of 40.150, as well as medals on every apparatus, including gold on uneven bars and beam and silver on both floor and vault – finishing first in her category in what was her first ever national event.

Melissa Anderson, managing director at Valleys Gymnastics Academy, said: “We are exceptionally proud of the girls and their coach Jaz McLellan, as well as Rachel and Tara who support.

“It’s been difficult through lockdown but the girls worked hard online and have thrived being back in the gym.

“Both gymnasts are fabulous role models in the gym and we are delighted for them.”