Despite the recent challenges that YMCA Barry have faced due to the pandemic, the club has a lot of celebrate.

The club was shut for ten months due to the numerous lockdowns, but already gymnasts at the club are achieving more than could have ever anticipated.

Firstly, four male gymnasts Harri Morgan, Sammi Morgan, Michael Tang and Henry Lewis attended the British Artistic Gymnastics Championships and competed against the best gymnasts in Britain. All four gymnasts did themselves and the club proud. Special mention to Henry Lewis who achieved 4th on Vault in the Under 18’s category and Michael Tang with 4th on High Bar also in the Under 18’s category.

Eight year old Olivia Melinn attended the Welsh Gymnastics Development Squad Trial and completed many different tests to examine her strength, flexibility, speed, bravery, skill level and endurance. After demonstrating great determination, Olivia retained her place in the Welsh Development Squad as one of only twelve gymnasts of her age being selected from across Wales.

Finally nine year olds Jamie Tran and Levi Scott attended a trial to represent Wales at the upcoming British Elite Grade Championships. Both Jamie and Levi performed fantastic routines and deservedly both were selected to represent Wales next month at the British Championships. Although this is a great achievement in itself, even more impressively only three gymnasts across Wales were selected, two of which were from YMCA Barry.

YMCA Barry is the most successful gymnastics club in the Vale of Glamorgan and offers many different gymnastics opportunities.

These include parent and toddler classes for 0 – 4 years, independent preschool classes, recreational gymnastics for girls and boys, trampolining, disability gymnastics, teen gym, adult gym and classes specifically for Home Education children. In addition, the club caters for women’s and men’s artistic gymnastics from club level to international athletes, namely having gymnasts attend every Commonwealth Games since 1986.

If you are interested in any of YMCA Barry’s gymnastics classes please call 01446 724000, e-mail sophie@ymcabarry.org.uk or follow on social media @ymcabarry