Report from Compulsory Grades, National Finals, Birmingham May 2010

For the first time in the History of the Club we had two gymnasts who qualified for Compulsory Grades Elite 4 Finals; Hannah Peggs, and Macy Cheetham.  After careful consideration we decided that Macy should concentrate on her voluntary skills; a massive relief for Macy as she hated conditioning.  However, Hannah loved the challenge so we decided to enter her for the Individual Compulsory Grades.

A lot of preparation and effort went into getting Hannah ready for the nationals, with work at home and extra sessions etc, but the day arrived.  Coaches set off by car and Hannah and mum used the train.  We all met up at the Premier Inn later on in the day.

First job was to decide how Hannah was having her hair. Her mum had treated her to the most jazzy leotard, so her hair had to be just right.  Marsha set to work with ribbons and hairspray , nearly an hour later Hannah emerged with a fabulous zig - zagged plait, fit for a princess, job done and off to bed!

We were on first round; some lovely gymnasts in the group. We were bunched with the South East, wow!! some amazing talent here.  Hannah kept her cool, competing as she trains; no surprises here! 110% every time.

We started on floor, a lovely floor , with some nice different dance and a cracking score of 11.350, nearly a mark up on her regional score so we were thrilled.  Bars went well although the back circle was disallowed due to the cast not being high enough, but Hannah you battled away!

Vault was great and then Range and Conditioning next.  A choice of mat or hard sports hall floor, most like the hard floor, but Hannah couldn’t train on a hard floor so we let her choose where she would be most comfortable and do the job in hand, the start of the range was great, but a silly mistake not holding one of her holds cost her 0.50.  But it was fabulous all the same, not a walk or wobble, she scored the same as the regional heat, so an improvement all the same.  Beam however was a different story, the judges were judging strongly, as expected at a National Final with her mount not held and a few wobbles, Hannah stuck, fab.  Making her target, going clean at National Finals and getting the required score to pass at National Level, Hannah is now 43^rd in the country. Fantastic Result for our and Hannah`s first National Finals.

Hannah we are really proud of you; you work so hard at home and gym and you are an inspiration to all the little gymnasts who all want to be Hannah and most of all you are a gymnast RGC can be proud of; especially me!  We have travelled a long road together and I am amazed at how hard you work and your commitment, Well done Peggy, superstar!! 

Diane.