22/06/12 Echo Arena, Liverpool: The 2012 Men’s and Women’s artistic gymnastics British Championships got underway in style at Echo Arena in Liverpool with Britain’s best junior gymnasts competing in front of an enthusiastic crowd to begin a three day gymnastics feast.
Gabby Jupp was crowned the junior women’s champion, Franks Baines the men’s under -18 champion and Jay Thompson the men’s under-16 champion.
The competition continues with the seniors taking to the arena on Saturday chasing not only British titles, but also places on the 5 gymnast strong Olympic line-ups in the final trial ahead of the team announcement on July 4th.
Reports
Women’s junior all-around
Gabby Jupp is the 2012 junior women’s all-around champion following a commanding performance at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.
Having taken junior European bronze medal on floor earlier in the year Gabby top scored with 13.900 on that piece, and also topped the ranking with 13.550 on beam and 13.250 on bars, guiding her to an all-around score of 54.300.
Angel Romaeo claimed the silver with 52.650, her new floor routine impressing the crowd with Charlie Fellows in bronze place scoring 51.750. City of Liverpool’s Abbie Caig made a welcome return from injury to place in 4th with 51.550.
Gabby Jupp: “It feels really good to be crowned British Champion. I’ve made lots of improvements this year and it’s paid off after winning the European floor medal and now winning the British title. I went on to the beam last up under pressure but beam has been one of my best pieces so I knew if I went through my routine clear I would be ok. The years performances have really increased my confidence, I’m getting more used to performing in front of big crowd and to again compete well with huge support here in Liverpool has been amazing.”
Men’s junior (under 18) all-around
European champion Frank Baines continued his dominant form to take the men’s junior title with an impressive 85.250 points despite a fall on pommel, proving his outstanding class. The British junior boys continue to impress with
Dominick Cunningham claimed the silver with 84.750 with Courtney Tulloch in bronze scoring 83.850.
Frank Baines: “I’m very happy to have taken the title, everything went to plan apart from pommel but I’ve been suffering injury so it’s not a massive shock. This continues a brilliant year for me and gives me massive confidence moving up to seniors next year.”
Men’s youth (under 16) all-around
In the under-16s Jay Thompson produced an outstanding performance to push European all-around silver medallist Nile Wilson into second and claim the youth title.
Jay was solid throughout to score 84.700 with Nile scoring 84.150 and Brinn Bevan in third with 82.750, all three boys proving why they formed a key part of the 2012 junior European gold medal winning team
Jay Thompson: “It’s very unexpected to have won but I’m really happy. I tried new routines on a lot of pieces and am really happy they came off today. To be named British champion is a very proud moment.”
To view the routines click here
For full results click here.
