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Eirlys Jones crowned junior British rhythmic champion
Carl Field
Welsh gymnasts returned from the 2022 Rhythmic British Championships with nine medals across the age groups, including gold for newly-crowned British junior all-around champion Eirlys Jones.
Last weekend’s event at Telford International Centre saw the return of the showpiece rhythmic event on the domestic calendar for the first time since 2019.
Eirlys, 15, one of eight Llanelli Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy gymnasts competing across two days of competition, produced several brilliant routines to win junior all-around gold.
The junior competition was closely contested, with Eirlys’ all-around score of 93.400 securing her top spot on the podium.
In addition to her all-around title, Eirlys bagged hoop gold, winning with a score of 25.250.
In the senior competition, Commonwealth Games long list gymnast Gemma Frizelle qualified for three of the four individual apparatus finals and medalled in two of those.
She scored 26.750 with hoop to scoop silver and 25.800 with ball to bag bronze.
Gemma had to settle for fourth in the clubs final and finished fifth in the all-around with fellow Birmingham 2022 hopefuls Lauryn Carpenter ninth, and Emily Cullen 10th, respectively.
Marfa Ekimova from West London who took the senior all-around title. Read British Gymnastics’ full report here.
In the under 12 competition, Imogen Coslett secured silver with clubs and was fifth all-around, with team mate Eleni Spear 14th.
And in the U10s there were two medals apiece for Bonnie-Lee Williams (bronze with ball and hoop) and Grace Woods (silver in free and hoop). Bonnie was 4th in the all-around with Grace seventh.
“It was great to see the return of the Rhythmic British Championships following a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” reflected Welsh Gymnastics Performance Director Jo Coombs.
“The young gymnasts’ potential shows the discipline is in a good place for the future, with a superb result from Eirlys in the junior age group in what was a very strong field of gymnasts.
“In the senior age group, Gemma displayed a strength in character in the hoop and ball final following a mixed start.
“And whilst there were a lot of positives from our Commonwealth long list gymnasts, we know there is still lots of work to do to improve and be in the best place possible for Birmingham.
“But I am sure both the gymnasts and coaches are up for the challenge.”
Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic weekend.