Welsh gymnasts delivered an outstanding set of performances at the Artistic British Championships, held from 19th–22nd March in the M&S Bank Arena, showcasing exceptional talent across all age groups.
The championships brought together the very best gymnasts from across the UK, and our Welsh gymnasts rose to the occasion with a series of impressive podium finishes.
Making history at this year’s event was Ruby Evans, who was crowned Senior Women’s All-Around Champion, becoming the first Welsh woman to win the title since 1971. Ruby also went on to claim gold on Floor, producing a standout routine to score an impressive 13.750 and secure the apparatus title, capping off a truly remarkable championships.
Also among the senior medallists, Emily Roper delivered a powerful performance to take silver on Vault, while Elliot Vernon secured silver on Parallel Bars with a clean and composed routine.
There was further success in the senior apparatus finals, with Jemima Taylor earning bronze on Bars and Frances Stone taking bronze on Beam, adding to Wales’ growing medal tally.
In the junior competition, Madi Jones impressed across apparatus, securing bronze medals on both Bars and Beam in the Junior Apparatus Finals, a fantastic achievement that highlights her consistency and potential.
The Aspire pathway also celebrated success, with Liliana Orhan crowned Beam Champion, taking gold, while Betsy Jones added a bronze medal on Beam, underlining the strength of emerging Welsh talent.
In the men’s competition, Ioan Thomas delivered a strong vault to claim bronze in the U18 Men’s Artistic category, rounding off a successful championships for the Welsh gymnasts.
Alongside the competition, the championships also marked a significant milestone for the sport, as the first ever UK ParaGymnastics trial took place. The event saw 13 athletes from seven clubs take part, as part of ongoing work to develop and refine rules for ParaGymnastics following its recognition as an official discipline by world governing bodies.
Among those involved was Welsh gymnast Mia Stockley from Valleys Gymnastics Academy, who competed in this landmark event.
The trial event provided an important opportunity to test how the sport could be structured in a competitive environment, with routines analysed to support the development of classification systems and future competition formats. It also formed part of a wider series of planned events aimed at progressing ParaGymnastics on the international stage.
The inclusion of the trial highlighted the sport’s commitment to becoming more inclusive and accessible, with the long-term ambition of achieving Paralympic recognition in future Games.
Overall, the Artistic British Championships proved to be a fantastic event for Welsh Gymnastics, with athletes across all levels demonstrating their hard work, determination, and competitive spirit. Ruby Evans’ historic all-around title stands as a defining moment, highlighting the continued rise of Welsh gymnastics on the national stage.