The best gymnasts in Britain 2013

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

Despite the following tweet a week before the championships, 15-year-old Gabby Jupp won the all-around title in her first year as a senior.
The Hemel Hempstead-based gymnast from the Sapphire School of Gymnastics finished the all-around competition on her strongest piece, the beam, on which she also won the individual apparatus final.

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.

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

Author: Jo Gunston

Freelance sportswriter Jo Gunston works for the likes of Olympics.com and also publishes additional content at sportsliberated.com. A favourite personal sporting moment for the former elite gymnast was performing as a 'dancer' in the London 2012 opening ceremony.

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