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17-year-old Crumlin gymnast wins gold and silver at Special Olympics

News, Sport | Rhys Williams | Published: 14:45, Monday March 18th, 2019.

Bethany Paull has won three golds and two silvers at the Special Olympics

Gymnast Bethany Paull, who trains at Crumlin-based Valleys Gymnastics Academy has won gold and silver medals at the Special Olympics.

Bethany, 17, won three gold medals and two silver medals in the Level Three Artistic Gymnastics competition at the event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Melissa Anderson, head coach of Valleys Gymnastics Academy, said: “We are immensely proud of Bethany. She is an inspiration to us all.

Bethany Paull at the medal presentation ceremony

“She has worked extremely hard to perfect her routines since the UK Games last year and has now been victorious on the World Stage.

“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.”

Bethany was due to be one of three flag bearers for Great Britain at the opening ceremony on Thursday, March 14, but was feeling unwell and was told by doctors to rest up.

The competition will come to a close on Thursday, March 21, with Bethany having already completed all of her events.

In preparation for the games, Bethany, who has learning difficulties, had been training with Team GB coaches in Scotland.

There are 129 athletes representing Great Britain across 17 sports.

The Special Olympics, which is held every four years, is for athletes with learning difficulties, including autism and Down’s Syndrome.

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