Welsh gymnasts delivered an excellent set of performances at the recent Classic Challenge British Final, an event that brings together the strongest regional teams from across the UK in the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Representing Wales across all three divisions, the gymnasts showcased determination, skill and consistency on a competitive national stage.
In the Bronze level, Wales placed sixth in the team standings, with several gymnasts achieving impressive individual results. Elinor Griffith-Williams led the Welsh all-around effort with a strong 10th-place finish, closely followed by Emilie Allen in 12th. Mahla Darlington also produced a well-rounded competition to finish 25th, while Tali Thomas, Ava Denby and Millie Evans contributed important routines to secure the team result. Wales also enjoyed notable apparatus highlights, including Elinor Griffith-Williams placing sixth on vault and Mahla Darlington matching that achievement on bars. Emilie Allen and Mahla Darlington both impressed on beam, finishing eighth and ninth respectively, while Emilie also delivered a strong floor routine to finish 13th.
The Silver level saw one of Wales’ strongest overall performances of the weekend, with the team finishing just outside the medals in fourth place. The all-around standings were tightly packed, with Erin David placing ninth, Paula Eberl-Lopez 11th, Olivia Barnsley 13th and Erin Thomas 15th, demonstrating the depth of the Welsh contingent. The team showed particular strength on beam, where Erin David claimed an outstanding fourth place, with Olivia Barnsley seventh and Erin Thomas ninth. On floor, Paula Eberl-Lopez delivered Wales’ best Silver-level result of the day, claiming the bronze medal on the apparatus. Further strong routines on vault and bars across the team helped secure Wales’ top-four finish.
In the Gold level, Wales continued to perform strongly, finishing fifth in the team competition against some of the toughest opposition in the country. Mara Arabella Amarillo led the way in the all-around, taking an impressive fifth place, with teammate Annais Kamanga close behind in seventh. The standout moment of the Gold competition for Wales came on the uneven bars, where Annais Kamanga delivered a superb routine to take the British Classic Challenge title with a first-place finish. Mara Arabella Amarillo added to Wales’ apparatus achievements with seventh on bars and ninth on beam, while Hollie Evans, Ashleigh-Rose Evans, Maia Griffiths and Sophie Nia Wynne each contributed valuable routines to secure the team’s final standing.
Across all levels, the Welsh gymnasts demonstrated resilience, teamwork and high-quality gymnastics throughout the event. From top-ten all-around finishes to medal-winning performances, the results reflect the growing strength of women’s artistic gymnastics in Wales. The dedication of the gymnasts, coaches and support teams was evident throughout the competition, and the success at the Classic Challenge British Final marks an exciting step forward as Wales continues to build depth and talent across all levels of the pathway.