GYMNAST D I G I T A L
M A G A Z I N E SPRING 2016
#OURROADtoRIO WE TALK TO SOME OF OUR TEAM GB CONTENDERS FOR THIS YEAR’S OLYMPICS IN RIO
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE...
8 10
GLASGOW WORLD CUP
20
CONTENDERS FOR THE RIO OLYMPICS 2016
Copyright © 2016 Published by British Gymnastics Cover photo - Becky Downie (Alan Edwards)
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30
ALAN SOMMERVILLE RETIRES
DISCOVER DISABILITY GYMNASTICS
SUBSCRIBE TO THE GYMNAST MAGAZINE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without written permission of British Gymnastics. Identification and naming of individual gymnasts on printed photographs is determined by the information received and therefore cannot be guaranteed for accuracy.
The views expressed by the individual contributors are not necessarily those of British Gymnastics. Equally the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not constitute endorsement by British Gymnastics of the products or services concerned. British Gymnastics is unable to recommend any product, guarantee that it is free of any banned substance or take any responsibility for any claims of effectiveness.
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ACROBATIC & ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS TRAMPOLINE – TUMBLING – OTHER SPORTS
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MAX WHITLOCK
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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR NEW! CHARITY
BRITISH GYMNASTICS FOUNDATION
You may also like to support our newly launched charity, the British Gymnastics Foundation.
We believe that gymnastics has the power to transform lives and the British Gymnastics Foundation exists to create opportunities through gymnastics, to bring real improvements to the lives of people and communities most in need.
The charity has four key areas of focus:
Schools
Community
Hardship
Disability
the Schools programme aims to support schools in need, by delivering gymnastics programmes which can help students to realise their full potential through sport.
the Community programmes are delivered with the main aim of improving the lives of people most in need; from inspirational gymnastics experiences to leadership courses and gymnastics classes.
the Hardship Grants programme provides financial assistance to British Gymnastics members to help them continue their participation in gymnastics.
the Disability programmes aim to give disabled people unique opportunities to get involved and realise their full potential through gymnastics.
If you are keen to support our charity’s good work, there are many ways you can help. Whether it’s donating money, volunteering at events or organising your own fundraising challenges, your support enables the Foundation to improve the lives of people most in need.
For more information on how we can help you or how you can support us, go to our new website www.britishgymnasticsfoundation.org
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2016 GLASGOW WORLD CUP
2016 GLASGOW WORLD CUP
GREAT BRITAIN TOOK THREE MEDALS AT THE 2016 WORLD CUP IN GLASGOW IN FRONT OF A PACKED HOME CROWD IN THE EMIRATES ARENA.
WATCH THE ROUTINE VIDEOS
World Champion Max Whitlock took gold in the men’s competition after an ARTHUR impressive performance, ahead of Brazil’s MARIANO Arthur Nory Oyakawa Mariano in silver with Britain’s Dan Purvis clinching the bronze. In the women’s event, powerhouse Claudia Fragapane took the bronze behind the USA’s MyKayla Skinner and Germany’s Elizabeth Seitz. With three competitors and three medals, it was an impressive outing for the GB team in one of the first major competitions of the season. FULL EVENT REPORT
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DAN PURVIS
ELIZABETH SEITZ
MAX WHITLOCK
CLAUDIA FRAGAPANE
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WORLD ACROBATIC GYMNASTS
ACROBATIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ADAM UPCOTT, CHARLIE TATE, CONOR SAWNKO & LEWIS WATTS
CONGRATULATIONS & GOOD LUCK Congratulations to the GB gymnastics team at the 9th Acrobatic Gymnastics World Age Group Competitions which took place in Putian City, China. British gymnasts took numerous medals across the age categories. Find out more. Good luck to the GB acrobatic 2016 World Championships (1st – 3rd April) also taking place in Putian City, China.
LEWIS WALKER & ISABELLA MONTAGNA
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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
BERTIE CARDILLO-ZALLO, CHRISTIAN COX, AIDAN LIM & ALEX PAPWORTH
TABITHA DAWSON, KITTY WILLIAMS & SCARLETT WRIGHT
Click here for more photos from the World Age Groups
FULL LINE UP HERE
WORLDS EVENT WEBSITE
WORLD AGE GROUP WEBSITE
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GOOD LUCK TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING & DMT
EUROPEAN CHAMPS TRAMPOLINE TUMBLING & DMT GOOD LUCK Good luck to the GB trampoline, tumbling and double-mini trampoline teams who are at Valladolid in Spain to compete in the 2016 European Championships from 31st March – 3rd April.
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KAT DRISCOLL
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
KRISTOF WILLERTON
OFFICIAL EVENT WEBSITE
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FEATURE ALAN SOMMERVILLE
ALAN SOMMERVILLE ALAN SOMMERVILLE OBE RETIRES AS PRESIDENT OF BRITISH GYMNASTICS A GIANT OF A MAN IN BOTH SENSES
T
he President of British Gymnastics, Alan Sommerville OBE, retired at the end of February 2016. Alan was elected President in 2013, having been Chief Executive Officer at British
Gymnastics between 2000 and December 2007 and Chairman of the Association between 2008 and 2013. Alan’s involvement in gymnastics began in the late 1960’s in coaching when he met nine-time British Champion and two-time Olympian, Nik Stuart MBE. While Nik possessed technical expertise, it was Alan who quickly realised the potential of gymnastics on a UK-wide scale and together they introduced
ON THE POMMEL HORSE
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PRESIDENT OF BRITISH GYMNASTICS
the sport to many communities around the country. They achieved this, in part, by organising gymnastic displays around the UK, establishing courses for coaches and judges and by taking every opportunity to spread the word about the sport. He also established the very first gymnastic club in Derbyshire – the Derwent Valley Gym Club, later renamed the Amber Valley Gymnastics Club.
Britain’s first women’s world medal (bronze on bars in Anaheim, 2003) and Louis Smith won a bronze medal on the pommel horse in Beijing in 2008. In 2008, Alan Sommerville was awarded with the OBE for his service to sport.
ALAN HAS
Alan’s term of office as President comes to an end amidst the most successful period of British Gymnastics, ever!
Alan’s involvement in HELPED DRIVE gymnastics and British Speaking about his contribution to OUR SPORT TO Gymnastics grew over the years, BECOME A SPORT British Gymnastics, Chief Executive ENJOYED BY from club level to national Officer, Jane Allen, said: HUNDREDS AND level. He travelled extensively THOUSANDS with gymnasts across the UK, “The end of Alan’s Presidency marks AROUND Europe and America, taking the end of an era for our Association. THE UK teams to numerous displays and During his involvement with British competitions and serving as Gymnastics, in a myriad of roles and Head of Delegation for UK teams competing offices over many years, Alan has helped drive our at World and European Championships. sport to become a sport enjoyed by hundreds and thousands around the UK and to deliver on the As British Gymnastics Chief Executive Officer, the international stage, with our elite gymnasts being first person to be appointed in this role, one of some of the very best in the world today. Alan’s remits was to modernise gymnastics in the UK. During this time, British international success “On a personal level, I have enjoyed working with started to improve. Among the success stories, Alan over the past six years. I know all those involved the first ever full women’s team qualified for the in British Gymnastics would like to wish him the very Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, Beth Tweddle won best in his retirement.” n
WITH NIK STUART MBE
ACCEPTING HIS OBE WITH HIS FAMILY
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EVERY ROAD TO RIO
O
n the 12th of July we will officially announce the Team GB gymnasts for the Rio, Olympic Games. Making the GB team is one of the proudest moments in any gymnasts career, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The tremendous depth of talent across the Olympic disciplines however means that the battle to make the plane to The Games has never been tougher. We spoke with three Olympians who are all aiming for Rio about their experiences and how they are feeling as they bid to make the team.
BECKY DOWNIE 18 | THE GYMNAST
DAN PURVIS
KAT DRISCOLL
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FEATURE EVERY ROAD TO RIO
BECKY DOWNIE Becky competed for Team GB at Beijing 2008 aged just 16 finishing 12th in the all-around competition – Britain’s best ever placing. Now 24, she has put the disappoinment of not making the London 2012 team behind her and is focused on making the line-up for Rio, alongside younger sister Ellie. ANOTHER OLYMPIC YEAR IS UNDERWAY, HOW DOES THIS COMPARE?
“Every time has been different. The first time round in 2008 was all new, I had no real expectations I just really, really wanted to make the team. London was a lot harder, I’d had injury difficulties across the whole cycle so it was a tough run in to try and make the team. I then had a big decision to make after not making the London team about if I wanted to carry on and try for Rio, I’m so glad I did as the last few years have been some of my most successful and enjoyable I now feel very positive at the start of this Olympic year.” HOW HAVE THE PAST EXPERIENCES HELPED YOU?
“I feel so much more prepared than ever before. With Beijing I was young and then for 2012 there were injuries and some brilliant young gymnasts coming through and I think I let the pressure get to me at times. Now I feel much more settled, I feel I have a lot of experience and knowledge to fall back on, I’m also very clear about what my job is and what I need to do in the gym.” AND WHAT IS THAT JOB?
“I know I’m a bars and beam worker and I know over this cycle I’ve been able to post really good scores on those pieces at a World level for the team. As an individual, I know that on bars I’m capable of making an impact on the medals
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at any competition. Tactically, I have options on bars, I can look at what I need to achieve at different points and have options within my routine to do what I need to do, and that comes with experience too. I feel like I’m learning and reflecting more when it comes to the specifics of my routines and what I need to deliver which is very reassuring and definitely helps my confidence. This cycle has been really successful for me personally and for the whole women’s programme. We have really amazing support from British Gymnastics, personal coaches and support staff. I feel like I’m enjoying my gymnastics and I’m a lot more relaxed and in control. When I was younger, I’d let things get to me but as I near the end of my career I’m learning to appreciate that not everything always goes perfectly but you have to move on and not let things get to you.” HOW DOES THE RUN IN TO THE OLYMPIC SELECTION FEEL FOR A GYMNAST?
“The Olympic year is always a big year, the media attention, the extra scrutiny and talk does definitely add pressure and expectation. The Olympics only come round once every four years and for some people that chance may never happen again. I’ve learnt a lot from the London cycle where I kept worrying about what I needed to do to make the team, to now just focusing on continuing to train hard and work on my goals with my coach. All I can do is try my best every day.”
C ATC H B E C KY I N AC T I O N AT T H E B R I T I S H CHAMPIONSHIPS BUY TICKETS
I FEEL LIKE I’M LEARNING AND REFLECTING MORE WHEN IT COMES TO THE SPECIFICS OF MY ROUTINES AND WHAT I NEED TO DELIVER
TWO GYMNASTS IN THE DOWNIE HOUSE AIMING TO MAKE THE TEAM, HOW IS IT WITH ELLIE ALONGSIDE YOU?
“Having Ellie with me could be quite difficult in a way as ultimately we are “rivals” for the team as there are only 5 places but I think we both feel quite chilled at the moment with our positions in the set up. We both have our own objectives
that we work on and try to work together and encourage each other as much as possible. I talk to Ellie about my experiences and try to keep her relaxed, I’ve been on both sides of the selection process so just tell her to enjoy the experience, enjoy every competition, if it’s meant to be it will happen, just try your best and then you can have no regrets.”
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FEATURE EVERY ROAD TO RIO
DAN PURVIS LONDON ‘12 OLYMPIAN
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DAN PURVIS LONDON ‘12 OLYMPIAN
IT’S BEEN A HISTORIC OLYMPIC CYCLE FOR OUR TEAMS, AHEAD OF RIO HAVE YOU HAD TIME TO REFLECT ON YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS?
“It’s still surreal the achievements for both the men and women, what we accomplished this cycle is hard to sink in, maybe when I’ve retired I can look back at think about the history we have made. For now though the focus is very much on what’s next, how can I improve and how can the team improve.
together as close friends and that same sprit we had as kids and the same friendly rivalry always pushing each other to improve has stayed to this day. To have experienced so many historic events as a squad has strengthened our bond and we have great respect for each other as everyone knows how hard everyone else works. Yes, there is friendly rivalry, particularly this year as we are all very aware of the task to make the team for Rio. We know there will be sad times when some don’t make it but equally those that aren’t selected are still part of the team in my eyes, every squad member has been involved in getting us to where we are and played a role in each others successes.”
Counties all over the world are looking at us and trying to replicate what we do and find our secrets to success. To be honest I enjoy that, its great to have that focus and know that all eyes are WE HAVEN’T on the Brits when we compete. RESTED, WE ALWAYS LOOK Since 2012 we’ve continued to TO BETTER push on, we haven’t rested, we OURSELVES always look to better ourselves AND MAKE A and make a mark and I think MARK AND I we’ve done that.” THINK WE’VE
HOW TOUGH IS THE CHALLENGE TO MAKE THE TEAM GOING TO BE?
“We all know that every competition is under a microscope now, the coaches are watching every routine and DONE THAT studying every score so it’s now PERSONALLY WHAT HAVE that the pressure builds. I try not YOU BEEN WORKING ON to get carried away and look too far ahead; you SINCE THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS? try to keep focussed on each day. Training is the key, I’ve been through two Olympic cycles and “After the World Championships I looked done lots of competition so I trust my ability and at my all-around performance, which I was know if I train well and put the hours in I can really happy with, and trying to find the small perform under pressure which is important for improvements. There’s things like ensuring the months ahead.” my legs stay together throughout my pommel routine in competitions, upping my parallel bars Selection for this year’s team is going to be a routine difficulty even more and continuing to massive challenge, there were six of us at the fine tune the other routines so I can compete World Championships and there will be five in them when it matters. “ Rio. The British Championship will be a hugely WHAT’S THE SPIRT LIKE WITHIN THE significant event and one I know a lot of the MEN’S CAMP? gymnasts are looking forward to. If I was to get selected, I’d be over the moon and would relish “It’s crazy to think when I was a little lad 12 the competition knowing I have experience or 13 at my first British training camp I was from London and so I think I’d be more relaxed with the same boys who are now Olympic and and able to perform at a high level – but there’s World medal winners. We’ve really all grown up a long way to go yet!”
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FEATURE EVERY ROAD TO RIO
KAT DRISCOLL LONDON ‘12 OLYMPIAN
HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW, AIMING TO MAKE THE TEAM COMPARED TO FOUR YEARS AGO AHEAD OF LONDON?
“I definitely feel more prepared, and I feel like I know what to expect. We have a tight group working together well, training at Lilleshall Monday to Friday every week building up our intensity as the year goes on and it feels like we are heading in the right direction. It’s different now to how I felt this time ahead of trying to qualify for London for my first Games. Being a home Games made it a huge deal, which every Olympic is, but at home it felt like everyone was involved, friends, family, everyone had an interest and wanted to be there to see you, everyone was talking about it non-stop. This time round having been through that excitement I feel like I’m more relaxed and I’m enjoying the process more, the thought of going to an Olympics doesn’t daunt me this time round, I know what to expect so that helps a lot.” WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE AIMING FOR AN OLYMPIC GAMES?
“The Olympic year is very different to any other year. You feel like you are on a timescale all the time, like every day counts which of course it does across the whole cycle but you feel it more in Olympic year. Every day feels more and more important, every competition counts, every training session is monitored so you become very focussed on trying to find improvements everywhere. At the same time though I find it more enjoyable, there’s more of a buzz and
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Team GB will have two female trampoline gymnasts in Rio and the potential for one male.
more excitement, it’s definitely intense but also more fun I think.” AND HOW IS YOUR TRAINING GOING?
“I feel like I’m in good place performance wise. We’ve had in house competitions, European trials, and the Baku World Cup which have all gone well for me. It’s nice to see that my scores have increased from the last World Championship and that I’m pushing forward. I’m not planning on playing safe, I want to try and push the boundaries, last year we had a job to do to secure the Olympic places for Team GB and now I’m ready to go up a level. So far that plan has been working and I don’t plan on backing off, I want to test all my options and if selected go to the Games with big routines.” AND WHAT WOULD IT MEAN PERSONALLY TO BE SELECTED?
“It would of course mean everything to me to be selected. You put so much hard work in over the whole Olympic cycle with the end goal being to compete in Rio. After London a lot of people expected me to retire or not be able to keep up turning 30 this year and that maybe other gymnasts would come through. I guess that was a big motivation for me, to prove people wrong. Also after London I said I was disappointed to miss out on the final (placing 9th) and I train every day to not be in that position again if I make it to Rio. The honour of competing for Team GB is huge and something I am very proud to have done once and would love to do again this summer.” n
KAT DRISCOLL LONDON ‘12 OLYMPIAN
C ATC H KAT I N AC T I O N AT T H E T RA M P O L I N E , TUMBLING & DMT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS BUY TICKETS
THE HONOUR OF COMPETING FOR TEAM GB IS HUGE AND SOMETHING I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE DONE ONCE AND WOULD LOVE TO DO AGAIN THIS SUMMER
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INTERVIEW DISCOVER DISABILITY GYMNASTICS
INTERVIEW
I M N
By Tim Peake
DISABILITY GY MNASTICS
DISCOVER DISABILITY GYMNASTICS I’M THE ONE WHO FULFILS MY POTENTIAL
A
s part of the I’M IN Programme, clubs have been delivering ‘Discover Disability Gymnastics’ Taster Days for nearly three years. We’ve seen over 700 disabled people try gymnastics for the first time during more than 70 Discover days and many of these members have gone on to join clubs and participate in gymnastics regularly. For any club offering a taster, we offer support with promoting the event to disability organisations and building contact lists of local schools, charities and organisations who can inform disabled people about the day’s. This year will also be the first year that we can offer funding to any club who wants to deliver a Discover Disability Gymnastics Taster day
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to get more disabled people involved in gymnastics within their club. There are now 200 clubs delivering disability gymnastics but many more are interested in getting started; the tasters are a great way to attract disabled members and inspire them to take part in our sport! We spoke with gymnast Rebecca Green about her experiences having attended a Discover Disability Gymnastics Taster Day at Preston City Trampoline Club. The Taster was Rebecca’s very first session and she then went on to join the club, and has gone every week since, working her way through the Proficiency Awards and taking part in the club’s I’M IN Disability Gymnastics Competition.
REBECCA GREEN INTERVIEW
REBECCA GREEN
I
have down syndrome but I feel I am still able to join in all day to day activities. I decided to try gymnastics because I like to try and stay fit and healthy. I really enjoyed the taster day. I think it was my Mum that found out about it in the newspaper as she came along with me that day. When I came in it was quiet. I was bouncing on the trampoline with one of the coaches I didn’t even notice the room get busier, but when I got off to get a drink there were lots of people in. I had my picture taken while I was bouncing and was
in the newspaper myself. I enjoy jumping around and learning new skills and routines. I have got my BG badge 6 now and I am working on 7. I was so nervous about the I’M IN competition my body was shaking. I had practiced my routine lots and lots to be ready but was still really scared. I remember getting an award. I really enjoyed it and my family came along to see what I had been working on. I would definitely do another competition.” >>
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INTERVIEW DISCOVER DISABILITY GYMNASTICS
We also spoke to Rebecca’s coach Frank who told us about her experiences and how the club are embracing disability gymnastics. FRANK
R
ebecca joined the club following her taster day and has been every week since. She comes along a little early and has a snack and a drink prior to her session with her assistant. We then do a short warm up and then get onto the trampoline. Rebecca has a one to one coach for her session. She prefers to work this way and loves the attention. There are other participants on other trampolines at the same time with their coaches too. They celebrate each other’s achievements and Rebecca enjoys this interaction too. Rebecca has really taken to trampolining and gained 6 badges already and is working towards her 7th, alongside learning some routines too. Here at the club we work with adults and children with a range of learning and physical disabilities each day. The sessions mainly offer disability trampolining, but we do use the gymnastics and freestyle equipment too. The Discover Disability Gymnastics taster days are
Want to try nastics Disability Gym you? at a club near
Discover
DISABILITY S GYMNASTIC 30 | THE GYMNAST
a great opportunity for anyone with a disability to come along to the club to meet the coaches and see what we have to offer. They are able to ‘have a go’ at a range of activities on the day to see if they enjoy them. We find they are often surprised how much they love to bounce, or roll, or balance on apparatus as often this is not something they have a lot of experience doing. Participants are then invited along to come to a regular session to progress their skills and get active each week.“ Any British Gymnastics Club can deliver a Discover Disability Gymnastics Taster day; a great way to show disabled people what gymnastics can offer them and to attract new members. Applications are now open for funding to deliver a Discover Disability Gymnastics Taster day and get more disabled people involved in gymnastics within your club. Get your Application form here. n
REBECCA GREEN INTERVIEW
I HAVE DOWN SYNDROME BUT I FEEL I AM STILL ABLE TO JOIN IN ALL DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES. I DECIDED TO TRY GYMNASTICS BECAUSE I LIKE TO TRY AND STAY FIT AND HEALTHY
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WHAT’S COMING UP APRIL MEN’S & WOMEN’S ARTISTIC BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS 08 - 10 April 2016 | Echo Arena, Liverpool
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OLYMPIC TEST EVENT - MEN’S, WOMEN’S, RHYTHMIC & TRAMPOLINE 16 - 24 April 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
MAY
MEN’S ARTISTIC EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 25 - 29 May 2016 | Bern, Switzerland
JUNE
WOMEN’S ARTISTIC EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 01 - 05 June 2016 | Bern, Switzerland RHYTHMIC EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 13 -19 June 2016 | Holon, Israel
JULY TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 02 - 03 July 2016 | Echo Arena, Liverpool
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BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS SERIES 27 - 31 July 2016 | Echo Arena, Liverpool
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GYMNAST DIGITAL MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LATEST CALENDAR DATES
AUGUST BUY TICKETS OLYMPIC GAMES 05 - 21 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil BRITISH VETS 06 - 07 August 2016 | Lilleshall NSC, Newport
SEPTEMBER AEROBIC ALEX STRACHAN CUP 16 - 18 September 2016 | Surrey Sports Park, Guildford
VOLUME 55 ISSUE 1 EDITOR Tim Peake tim.peake@british-gymnastics.org
FEATURES EDITOR Olivia Howard olivia.howard@british-gymnastics.org
CONTRIBUTOR Vera Atkinson vera.atkinson@british-gymnastics.org
DESIGN Karen Uppal Mark Young & Jemma Bishop
BGTV Gareth Finchett, Daniel Dyche & Simon Carswell bgtv@british-gymnastics.org
BRITISH GYMNASTICS OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Alan Edwards www.f2images.com
ADVERTISING Anthony Cave Cabbell Publishing Ltd, Wimbledon Studios, 1 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL T. 0203 6037934 anthony.cave@cabbell.co.uk
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