Welsh gymnasts take their opportunity to shine at 2023 Adult British Championships

There was plenty of Welsh success at the 2023 Adult British Championships which were staged at Lilleshall recently.

Taking place over the course of two action-packed days, gymnasts from several disciplines were competing for the title of British champion.

St Tydfils’ Glesni Powell placed first overall in the WAG Novice Over 18 category, led the way on beam and, for the second successive year, on the floor.

Glesni has been a St Tydfils member since she was five years old and a coach since she was 13.

Currently studying at Cardiff Met and training weekly at the club as well as university, Glesni has worked incredibly hard to achieve her goals in adult competitions, with this her second year at the Adult British.

Jazmine McLellan, St Tydfils manager and coach, said: “Glesni has been a huge role model for St Tydfils and VGA as a gymnast and coach.

“Well done Glesni; the club and members are very proud of you.”

Meanwhile it was a proud weekend for Cardiff Central Youth Club with Ray Wynford-Thomas bagging all-around and uneven bars bronze in the WAG Novice Over 30 category and, remarkably, it came 26 years after she last competed – an incredible achievement.

There was also CCYC all-around medal success for Abbie Godsall who secured silver in the WAG Intermediate Over 18 category and Rob Scott – champion here last year – bronze in the MAG Intermediate Over 18.

Kim McShane (WAG Novice 30+) was second on the floor, Abbie Moore was second on beam in the WAG Over 18 Novice competition and Seren Richards third on floor.

Congratulations also to Buckley’s Ceri Sass, British all-around champion in the WAG Novice Over 30 category while Hannah Fargher, also from Buckley, was second in the WAG Pro Over 45 competition, just as she did in 2022.

Buckley’s adult gymnastics coach Bethan Griffiths, who also competed herself in the WAG Novice Over 30, said: “What an inspirational event! We thoroughly enjoyed witnessing and being a part of a fabulous display of gymnastics. 

“We have already started training towards next year’s event and highly encourage anybody who has an interest in gymnastics to find your local club and get involved!”

A big shout out to Buckley’s Eleri Rowlands, Becca Hamm and Milly Bailey for their performances. Becca and Milly are mum and daughter and both are gymnastics coaches too. 

Well done also to YMCA Barry’s Jonathan Davies, second overall in the MAG Novice Over 30 category, going one better than his bronze last year.

Jon said: “It’s such a great competition with a really positive atmosphere and it was a really nice bonus to come away with a medal.

“Big credit to Gareth (Slocombe) and the adult gym class for the help and encouragement.”

Meanwhile Rebecca Hedley and Hermione Firman from Olympus Gymnastics Club brought home a silver medal overall in the Acrobatic Women’s Pair competition.

For the second successive year Neath Flyers’ Gemma Bazley won gold in the TRA Women’s Intermediate Over 30 category and congratulations also to Ieuan Loynes (TRA Men’s Novice Over 30) and Kayleigh Moore (TRA Women’s Intermediate Over 18) for their performances.

Massive congratulations to everyone involved.

Full results are available HERE as well as on the BG Score App – where all of the gymnasts’ routines from the 2023 Adult British Championships weekend can also be watched back.