It’s been a whirlwind year for gymnast Bethany Paull, who has been nominated for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award after winning three gold medals at the Special Olympics.
The achievements of the 18-year old haven’t gone unnoticed as the Crumlin-based athlete will hope to follow in the footsteps of past winners Wayne Rooney and Andy Murray.
Paull, who trains at Valleys Gymnastics Academy, also won two silver medals in the Level Three Artistic Gymnastics competition at the event in Abu Dhabi back in March.
Melissa Anderson, head coach at the academy, said, “As a club we are exceptionally proud of Bethany’s selection for BBC YSPOTY – it is an absolutely outstanding achievement and it’s fantastic to see gymnastics being recognised at this level.
“We have seen Bethany grow and develop over the years and to see her achieve so much this year has been brilliant. She is a real inspiration to the other club members.
“We are also extremely proud of her coaches, including main coach Jaz McLellan and former coach Shevel Hewitt, for their ongoing support and coaching of Bethany.”
Coach McLellan said: “Bethany has worked incredibly hard over the past year. Her achievements within Wales and internationally has shown that Gymnastics is a fully inclusive sport not just within Valleys Gymnastics Academy but throughout the world.
“Bethany’s achievements have been recognised throughout the club and her peers have looked up to her as an inspiration for their gymnastics pathway.
“This year Bethany has adapted brilliantly to two new coaches – myself and Sian Callaghan.
“She has gained new skills within her routines to be able to perform at higher level to previous years within British Gymnastics and Special Olympics.”
Coach McLellan added: “At Valleys Gymnastics Academy we have an ethos of ‘Gymnastics For All.’
“This is excelling and we are always looking for that future star from all walks of life.”
If Paull was to go on and win the award, she would create history by becoming the first ever Welsh winner.
The YSPOTY winner will be announced at the BBC Radio One Teen Awards on Saturday, November 30.
The winner will attend the BBC SPOTY awards in Aberdeen on Sunday, December 15.