MEAPA Gymnastics Club in Gravesend triumphed at the annual regional grade championships.

The dynamic mix of gymnasts from across the south east of England gave the competition a special buzz and the atmosphere within the arena was electric.

Split into three competitions – regional, national and Elite - each gymnast competed across the four disciplines of vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor.

They also had the added difficulty of range and conditioning, which requires competitors to demonstrate a sequence of designated moves.

This is where the medals are won or lost as gymnasts must show the power, strength, flexibility and agility necessary to win at a regional level and demonstrate the potential to go on to compete nationally.

The contest was split into two competitions, the first held on Saturday where gymnasts compete in regional grades, and the second on the Sunday in national and elite grades.

In the latter competition, gymnasts must battle it out to finish in the top four to secure entry to the British national finals. Meapa’s girls delivered excellent performances throughout the weekend ensuring the Gravesend club won a host of medals and places within the elite south east team.

The successful gymnasts included McKenzie Alexander-Reynolds and Lucy McCarthy, who each won bronze.

Rio Baker came fourth in her event and all three girls will be representing the SE in the national finals to be held in Birmingham later this month.

Not eligible for entry to the national finals were: Jade Dapalma Gomes (bronze all round), Caitlin Sullivan (silver all round), Eliesh Keane (gold in range and conditioning), Caitlyn Firth (gold in range and conditioning) and Rebecca Kalli (silver in range and conditioning).

For more information on Meapa Gymnastic Club, call 01474 333 299 or visit themeapa.com

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