British Open Tournament: 9-11 December 2011 With entries from the USA and Canada as well as from all over the UK, the 2011 British Open Tournament had attracted a larger than normal entry and unusually, all the Oxford competitors were feeling the pressure of the event. For Becky Fran & Freya, this was their first major competition as a Junior Trio. The same was true for Sophie and Siobhan in the International 1 category and also for Cossi, Becca and Sophie who were appearing at their first British competition in the 11-16 age group. For Cath, Fran and Emily, this was their first competition for 12 months following Emily’s long battle with a painful elbow injury and they were desperate to re-establish themselves on the GB scene. Becky, Gabby and Freya were aiming for 2 clean routines in order to get through to the Final and achieved their aim, displaying a particularly strong dynamic routine. Unfortunately, their luck ran out in the Final and a dropped move ultimately put them in 8th place. Disappointed, but not downhearted, the girls positive reaction impressed everyone, along with their great composure and attitude. Becca, Cossi and Sophie were in a tough category and were just edged out of the medals, finishing in 4th place, but put down a positive marker for the future with an eye on a place at the World Trials in 2012. Sophie and Siobhan had had a battle to complete their moves and build-up in time to compete and were clearly nervous, but held things together and surprised themselves by winning the Gold medal – a really fantastic achievement. For Cath, Fran and Emily, there was to be a fairy tale ending to their difficult year as they not only fought their way through to the Final, but then performed an amazing Combined routine that earned them the Gold Medal! They were well and truely back!
Categories & Keywords
Category:Sports
Subcategory:Gymnastics
Subcategory Detail:
Keywords:International, Tournament, acrobatics, british, gymnastics, medal winners, oxford school of gymnastics