Welsh tumbling squad enjoy hugely successful 2023 Loulé Cup trip – including historic first men’s team medal

Three medals including an historic men’s team bronze and much more besides – it was a hugely successful trip to Portugal for our Welsh tumbling squad competing at the 2023 Loulé Cup.

Luca Burgess-Willams took to the track in the 13-14yrs boys category and finished second in a very competitive finals, grabbing himself his first International medal.

Then he returned, teaming up with Reuben Lerwill and Dylan Smallcombe to secure an historic team third for the Welsh men’s tumbling team.

A team can be made up of juniors and seniors with a max of only two seniors. The Welsh team were the only men’s team to have no seniors, with team composition was made up of two juniors and a 13/14yr old.

Wales had never placed high enough to qualify for team finals so this was a very special achievement.

Meanwhile there was also individual bronze for Dylan in the Junior men competition.

All gymnasts placed in the top 12 of their age group in a very highly competitive competition – a huge achievement for our delegation of 13 gymnasts and five officials.

Huge thanks to our coaches Rob Owen & Shelley Pace, our judge Clive Morgan, our chaperone Beckie Berwick and head of delegation Maria Gaynor.

A massive congratulations to the gymnasts: Ciara Evanson, Amelia Wade-Jones, Kelsey Howells, Lois Child, Jade Evans, Lauren Watts, Chloe Griffiths, Tia Powell, Leia Vobe, Rhisian Thomas, Luca Burgess Williams, Reuben Lerwill and Dylan Smallcombe.

The clubs involved were Deeside Gymnastics Academy, Dimax Gymnastics, Carmarthenshire School of Gymnastics and Wye Gymnastics.

Well done to all personal coaches and parents for their continued support.