London Gymnastics

Men's London Open Championships 2021 - CANCELLED

Statement from London Gymnastics Chair and MLO Event Director Ben Murphy

The MLO Event Team and I have the welfare of our friends and colleagues at the forefront of all decisions that we make during these uniquely challenging times.

We want to inform you that following consultation with a range of key stake holders we have made the decision to cancel MLO for 2021.

We have informed British Gymnastics of this decision, and are working with them to ensure our programme is back in place for 2022.

It’s expected that indoor activities and events will be one of the last stages in a return to normality, and even when clubs are able to resume their activities, we anticipate there will be a period of time for clubs to adjust their training patterns, and the necessary time for gymnasts to regain fitness to prepare for competition. In addition, we need sufficient lead time for entries and event organisation.

Furthermore, it’s clear that adjustment to a new normal will take time, there will be much anxiety for travel and close contact even as social distancing measures are eased. This will impact availability of key personnel at events as well as the willingness of parents to enter their gymnasts into competitions.

By cancelling MLO for 2021, we remove all uncertainty for our clubs. It allows you to focus on your own challenges to deal with the return of members to your venues, and what restrictions may be put in place.

Finally, we understand and share the disappointment of everyone involved and affected by this decision. Our principal concern is with the health and wellbeing of our gymnasts, their families, staff, volunteers, officials, coaches and supporters.

Confirmed 2022 Date

Friday 13th May, Saturday 14th May, Sunday 15th May 2022

It will be based on voluntary rules with 2 different levels of competition to enable all gymnasts to be able to attend. We are excited to send details of this to you as soon as they are finalised.

Social Media

We now have Men's London Open Social Media so that you can keep up to date with competition news.


Any queries please email info@menslondonopen.co.uk

Looking forward to working with you all again next year,

Kind regards,

Ben Murphy Chairman,
London Gymnastics Event Director MLO

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The London Men’s Open has a tradition of being one of the premier Men’s Artistic competitions in the UK and beyond. Pictured right - International Medalists at the 2014 Men's London Open.

Ben Murphy of the London Gymnastics Major Event Team, comments: “For over 105 years, the Men’s London Open has been a main stay in the National calendar. For nearly 10 years now we have run the London Development competition alongside the London Open to cater for our club gymnasts."

History
The London Men's Open has been in existence since the early 1900's. The cup presented by the Duke of Westminster still remains today as one of the oldest cups to be challenged for in Great Britain.

As a Men's Artistic competition only, the Open has for most of its time been a major competition not only within London - but also within British Gymnastics event calendar. The competition attracts individual gymnasts from clubs across the Country competing in three age groups (Under 14, Under 18 and Senior).

Often used as a control trial for gymnasts to be part of Great Britain's European and World teams - we really do not only attract the best elite male gymnasts in Great Britain, but also gymnasts from overseas.  

By contrast the London Development Open, was born off the back of this success - but also to plug the gap of those competing at club and regional level who perhaps needed more competitions and better challenges.

The rules and routines are all based on the last Club Development Grades, but with a mixture of additional age groups.

Now regularly having around 250 gymnasts compete in one day, it is the perfect mix of a battle to win medals and a friendly atmosphere. Many clubs & regions use the competition to select their gymnasts for the National Club Development Grades.

Pictured below are some of the young London Open Volunteers at the 2017 Event with some of the GB Gymnasts that competed.