Welsh Gymnastics is proud to congratulate Jonathon Davies from YMCA Barry on his selection to represent Team GB at the upcoming Masters World Cup in Leipzig, Germany.
Taking place on June 1st, the Masters World Cup is a unique international team event that celebrates gymnastics across the generations, with competitions split into age categories ranging from 30+ to 70+. This year’s event promises to be the most competitive yet, with teams from Germany, Japan, the USA, Canada, Ireland, Brazil, and Italy all confirmed.
Team GB will field seven men and nine women, with each team nominating one gymnast per apparatus in each age group. The top three scores on each piece of apparatus will count towards the team’s total. Adjusted scoring across age categories ensures a level playing field, recognising the incredible achievement of simply competing at this level later in life.
Germany are the reigning champions, having won the last two editions of the competition. Team GB has finished 4th on both occasions and will be pushing hard this year to reach the podium, though the expanded international field means the competition will be fiercer than ever.
For Jonathon, the opportunity to represent Great Britain is the culmination of a deeply personal journey.
“I did gymnastics as a child up to the age of nine,” Jonathon shares. “It was exciting to return to the sport in my 30s when Barry YMCA started an adult gym class. What started as a fun way to stay active quickly became something much more meaningful.”
After re-entering the sport recreationally, Jonathan’s love for gymnastics reignited, helping him stay fit and mentally well.
“I never returned to the sport with the goal of competing. But after entering the British Championships a few years ago, I started setting goals and gradually progressed.”
Jonathon was part of the inaugural Masters World Cup two years ago, where Team GB placed fourth. He missed last year’s event in Boston but is excited to be back on the team for this year’s competition in Leipzig.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity, especially at my age, and even more special to compete as part of a team. I know I won’t be the best gymnast there, but if I can perform my routines cleanly and contribute some good scores to the team, I’ll be very happy.”
Everyone at Welsh Gymnastics and across the community in Barry is incredibly proud of Jonathon’s selection. His story is a powerful reminder that gymnastics is a lifelong sport, open to all, and full of opportunity at any age.
Pob lwc, Jonathon!
Good luck to you and Team GB in Leipzig, we’ll all be cheering you on!
