Report from Compulsory Grades levels 4 and 3, March 13 2011

This competition is a huge deal in gymnastic terms; it is the British Elite pathway, and this year saw Mae Hill Level 4 and Hannah Peggs take their 4 and 3 levels.

The scores from these grades are added together to give them National Ranking, that is if they pass and score enough to make the regional team, or go and represent Redcar in their own right.

To pass at Level 4 Mae needed 47.50 and a 9.50 on Range and Conditioning, umm this wasn’t going to be easy. Mae was a little nervous; this is no easy job at just 9 years old. Having had  a really great competition on every piece, Mae fell on beam, on the backward walkover. Oops!, she never does that!  Unfortunately for Mae her range was not great but she managed to scrape through, not a dry eye in the house. With lots of support Mae pulled it back, to finish in third place and represent the North at Level 4 at National Finals.

Hannah had worked so very hard for this one working at home and showing us all just what a determined little gymnast she is! Beam was again the sticking point with a fall on her full spin, what a shame it was a gorgeous beam routine. Bars went well although we needed the handstand, and unusually for Hannah she fell in her range! Oh such a shame!! How many times has this been so perfect as well shame Hannah.

The result was incredible with a skill missing and 2 falls Hannah managed a whopping 55; she needed 50 and 10 on Range to qualify for Nationals, Hannah did it and did us proud.

To finish, I could go on for hours.  It was an emotional day, to say the least, some of us cried like babies (Me and Sue), and some just were in awe at the standard in the region such incredible gymnasts overall.

I myself was so proud to have two fabulous girls, at Compulsory Grades, who worked, were strong, were fantastic to work with and showed real grit and determination, I was also overwhelmed by the support from the other coaches, this day signified everything gymnastics is about, team work and that children matter most!

I was also a little proud that Redcar were one of only two clubs in it, how we have worked , how far have we come, such a great achievement by all!

Thanks

Diane