World Challenge Cup silver medal caps dream week for Poppy

Poppy Stickler capped a dream week by marking her first FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup appearance with a stunning silver medal for her floor exercise at the latest series event in Koper, Slovenia.

Women’s artistic gymnast Poppy, who has just turned 16, was also making her senior bow for Great Britain and had qualified in second place for Sunday’s floor final.

She went on to secure herself a medal with a score of 12.750, which was only bettered by double Olympian Ana Derek from Croatia (12.900).

Last Wednesday, Poppy’s Team Wales spot for this summer’s Commonwealth Games was confirmed when she was named in the five-strong women’s artistic gymnastics line-up alongside Mia Evans, Jea Maracha, Sofia Micallef and Mali Morgan.

Whitchurch High School Year 11 pupil Poppy finished her GCSE exams last Tuesday, just two days after her 16th birthday.

Poppy was accompanied to Slovenia by personal coach Olivia Bryl, while MAG Brevet Judge Paul Edwards from Olympus Gymnastics Club was also part of the travelling GB delegation for the event to judge the men’s competition.

There was also bronze for Britain’s Ruby Stacey on uneven bars, while in the men’s competition Britain’s Harry Hepworth had a competition to remember, as he took gold on floor and silver on vault.

Congratulations to all involved.