I used to compete at the British Championships many moons ago; would say I probably rated about 20th in the country at my best, so always love to see the best each year.
So, to make it easy for you (and me, to be fair) I’ve collated the videos on the best in Britain on each piece of apparatus during the 2013 champs plus the all-around individual champ, Gabby Jupp.
I’ve also included some of my fave performances, well, because I can. Loving Louise McColgan’s floor routine.
All-around champion – Gabby Jupp
Training is so tiring and hard when you are ill #effort
— Gabby Jupp (@gabbyjupp) March 15, 2013
Best on vault – Niamh Rippin
Best on bars – Becky Downie
Best on beam – Gabby Jupp
Best on floor – Gabby Jupp
Alternative awards
The best prospect
Eleven-year-old gymnast – you heard – Louise McColgan doesn’t become a senior until 2017, that’s after the Rio Games, people, yet she already looks a star. Gobsmacked at how good she is – take a look.
Most inspiring – Lisa Mason
A nervous-looking Lisa Mason competed at the British Gymnastics championships knowing all eyes were on her due to a headline-making return to the sport after a 13-year break.
Earlier this month, on her first return to competition since the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Lisa won gold at the English Championships on vault.
However, the 31-year-old struggled with nerves at the British championships, coming sixth in the vault final after a fall on the second pass.
Lisa’s young daughter Yalarna made a big banner and put her face through a heart-shape cut out in support of her mum, but it wasn’t just the seven-year-old who had her mum’s back after the former Commonwealth Games gold medalist received backing from fans on Twitter.
@lisamason1982 you didn’t disappoint anyone. U R an inspiration to everyone! Onwards & upwards.Bet your daughter is so proud of her Mum xx
— Nicki Montford (@Mahluf) March 23, 2013
@lisamason1982 keep your tail feathers up Lisa, you didn’t let anyone down. Keep on doing your best, and you’ll be rewarded with the result.
— steve lewington (@SteveLewi24) March 23, 2013
@lisamason1982 you’ve got courage in bucketloads!!Go for it lady, routing for you xxx
— Nicki Montford (@Mahluf) March 23, 2013
Need a miracle right now
— LISA MASON Official (@lisamason1982) March 22, 2013
I just wanted to thank every single one of you that sent me tweets over the weekend… You guys have been great & motivate me to keep goin!
— LISA MASON Official (@lisamason1982) March 25, 2013
@lisamason1982 Well done you xxxx we were like woahhhh at your vault – we kept playing it back lol – #trulyaninspiration xx
— Lesley Botterill (@InfoOwner) March 24, 2013
You want more?
Videos from BG TV where the media team have ever so nicely put all the videos up for you. Visit their fancy site at www.British-Gymnastics.org if you will.
Also, good work from The Couch Gymnast with more details on myriad age groups.
Gymnastics social
Gabby on Instagram
Louise on Twitter
Niamh on Twitter
Becky on Instagram
Lisa on Twitter