Report by Melissa Anderson
On the weekend of September 22 and 23, a large team of gymnasts represented Caerphilly-based Valleys Gymnastics Academy at the Welsh Championships in Swansea.
The girls were outstanding, with all coming back to the club with a clutch of awards.
Competing in the Intermediate event the girls had a great showing. In the 12/13 category Chantelle Jones was fourth on bars and fourth overall. Georgia Hewitt was second on vault and third on floor.
In the 14+ category Louise Sheehan was sixth on bars and Beth Clayton was fifth overall, fourth on beam, fourth on vault and fifth on floor. Imogen Williams took sixth overall, sixth on vault, second on beam and was crowned champion on floor. The team of Louise, Beth and Imogen were also crowned Welsh Intermediate Champions for 2012.
In the Elite Levels events, Katelyn King places second on bars at Level Four and Naomi Jarman placed fourth on vault and beam at Level Three. In the Challenge Cup category the girls were outstanding.
At 8/9 years Ellie Davies took silver medals for her vault, bars and floor performances.
At 10/11 Niya Hewitt was 6th overall and 4th on beam, and Macey Chapman was fifth overall, second on bars and second on floor.
In 12/13 Ellys Connor had a brilliant competition, placing third on beam, second on bars, second on floor and crowned Welsh Vault Champion. Ellys also finished second overall.
Finally, at 14+ Stevie Hinge was fifth overall, second on beam and second on vault.
The girls all train at Valleys Gymnastics Academy in Crumlin which runs classes for all ages.
For more information on the club please see www.valleysgymnasticsacademy.co.uk