THE Rhythmic Gymnastics Welsh National Championships, which recently took place at Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff, saw 20 gymnasts from Barry YMCA Rhythmic section taking part in the competition, along with Commonwealth Games medallists Frankie Jones on the judging panel and Laura Halford, reigning British Champion, competing to retain her title as Welsh Champion.

A fantastic day was had by all gymnasts with an amazing total of 15 medals being brought back to the club along with four Welsh Champions, Chloe Johns-Thwaite who retained her Senior L3 title for the second year running; Freya Evans Junior L3 champion, Jasmine Weston U12 L1 champion and Olivia Deans-Hunt U10 L1 champion. In addition, Chloe Johns-Thwaite was awarded the Iris Parry Cup for the highest scores of the day.

In the Future Hopes section of the competition, Kiara Llewellyn gained second place overall, with Barry team mate Saffie Monteiro following closely behind with beautiful performances on the day.

Barry YMCA Rhythmic squad have five gymnasts who gained places on the Future Hopes programme Kiara Llewlellyn, Saffie Monteiro, Seren Powell, Olivia Deans-Hunt and Elle Eyao.

Future Hopes is a programme identifying promising young talent for development for future Commonwealth Games.

As well as being identified for this programme, Kiara has also recently retained her place in the Welsh National Rhythmic Gymnastic Development Squad. To add to her achievements, Kiara also competed in the British National Development Plan Finals at Fenton Manor in May, a major achievement for someone so young and new to the sport. A name to look out for in the future.

Results for the competition were:

Novice L1 Under 10: Olivia Deans-Hunt (1st), Seren Powell (2nd), Evelyn Smith (3rd), Imogen Payne, Jessica Doogue, Eloise Hayes-Knight, Nyah Perry, Erin Goddard, Elan Jones and Feyja Hillberg

Novice L1 Under 12 - Jasmine Weston (1st), Ashleigh Marsh (3rd)

Novice L3 Under 12 - Emily Doogue (2nd), Seren Williams (3rd), Ruby Cook, Maisie Lewis

Novice L3 Junior - Freya Evans (1st)

Novice L3 Senior - Chloe Johns-Thwaite (1st)

Future Hopes - Kiara Llewellyn (2nd), Saffie Monteiro

Well done to all the girls who took part, as this was the first ever experience of a competition for some. All performed beautifully executed routines.

Thank you also to coaches Karen Johns, Ffion Byrne and Lesley Dancey, judges Tayla Gerrish and Abbie Williams, volunteer Gina Goddard and coach Nicole Gannon who was unable to attend this competition.

If you are interested in rhythmic gymnastics, spaces are currently available in their beginners class on a Thursday 4-5pm, all ages and abilities welcome. Contact 01446 724014 and ask for Karen Johns.