Four Ivybridge acrobatic trios take medals at Honiton Invitational

All 12 Ivybridge gymnasts that competed brought home a medal

Last weekend 12 Ivybridge Community College gymnasts competed in the Honiton Invitational Competition – and each one of them brought home a medal.

With more than 200 acrobatic gymnasts competing, it was the biggest invitation event that the club has ever held, with gymnasts travelling from London, Wales, Bristol, and throughout the rest of the south west to compete.

The highlight of the day for Ivybridge gymnasts was the 'Preparation' acrobatics event, where the trio of Maisie Watts, Izabella Podmore and Georgia Hayman took the gold medal and Gemma Hobbart, Jessica Collingwood & Abi Sandford took bronze.  In addition, Maisie, Izabella and Georgia were rewarded with the trophy for the highest score in the whole of their grade.

“It was an exceptional competition,” said Helen Reddy, Head of Performing Arts at the college and the gymnasts’ coach. “With so many ‘high pressure’ competitions in the acrobatics calendar, the day provided a great opportunity for gymnasts to compete, have fun, be introduced to acrobatic competitions, and allow them to perform in front of judges and an audience. The Preparation grade was particularly tough as there were 25 partnerships in the group, so I’m delighted with how well the girls have done in their first ever competition.

Other Ivybridge gymnasts that competed were Karina Jones, Molly Dixon and Charlotte Burton who won bronze in the Grade 1 Trio event, and Katie Mailling, Jenna LeGrice & Molly Thompson who took bronze in the Grade 2 Trio event.

Helen added: “It’s not often you come away with every gymnast in the group medalling, so the girls were on a high after the competition had finished.”

There are opportunities for gymnasts of all ages at Ivybridge Community College, as – in addition to their academy and recreational sessions – the school has recently started an after-school class for primary school children on Mondays from 3.45pm to 5.15pm. There are currently 80 members at the primary club.  Parents that would like to book a place for their children next term should email Helen Reddy at hreddy@ivybridge.devon.sch.uk.