London Challenge Cup Qualifier 1- 26th November 2023

On 26th November 2023, gymnasts from Queensmead Trampoline Club took part in the first London Regional competition of the 2023-2024 season. This was the first opportunity for gymnasts in Challenge Levels 1-4 to qualify for the regional ranking event in March where 2 gymnasts in each category will be selected to represent London at the Inter-Regional Challenge Cup Final. This event also included competitions for individuals in the Aspire category, which many of our gymnasts participated in.

Our Level 1 gymnasts, Archie and Phoebe, produced very strong performances to kick the day
off well, with both taking home the gold medal. Archie and Phoebe had both moved up a level
from the previous competition, making this an excellent achievement.

In the Aspire 10-12 Women, Charlotte, Gracie and Millie all put in great performances finishing 2nd, 7th and 15th respectively, an impressive result for all in an incredibly competitive category of 34 gymnasts. They also took home the team gold.

For the Aspire 13-16 Women, Emma finished 9th, Florence 14th and Victoria 17th, culminating in them taking home the team silver in another very competitive Aspire category. Annemarie should also have been competing in this level but unfortunately had to withdraw due to an injury.

To finish the day off Lily finished 4th in the FIG 10+ Women, a great performance for her first
time competing at this level.

All of our gymnasts should be extremely proud of their achievements with each one of them
coming away with a personal highlight:

● Millie, Florence and Victoria competed in their first ever competition
● Personal Best routine scores for Emma, Gracie, Archie, Charlotte and Phoebe
● First competition at a higher level for Phoebe, Archie and Lily

A special shoutout to Annemarie and Ruby who both came to the competition to support their teammates despite not competing themselves. Thank you to our officials Gary and Emma, coaches Maxine and Rebecca, our parent volunteers David, Neil and Laura, and finally Antonia who came to do some shadow judging having recently passed her Club Judging course. Without their support none of our gymnastswould have been able to compete!

The next regional competition is on 25th February 2024 at Redbridge Sports Centre and caters to all ability levels. If your child is interested in competing or you would like more information, please speak to their coach

National Trampoline League finals 2023 

On the 14th and 15th October 2023, 5 Queensmead gymnasts traveled to the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield to attend the Trampoline League Finals. This was already a fantastic achievement, as gymnasts had to qualify for this event by accumulating points throughout the season. 

The first day of competition was very exciting as two of our members, Maya Bensalem and Ruby Ryan, made their League Finals debuts. 

Maya, competing in the 17-18 League 3 Female category, completed two lovely routines, demonstrating the hard work and dedication she has put into her training to qualify for these Finals. 

Ruby also showcased fantastic work in the age 14 League 3 Female category, achieving a personal best overall score and performing her highest ever difficulty in her second routine, competing a double somersault for the first time. Her performance in the preliminary rounds qualified her to the Top 8 Final which took place later in the day. This was Ruby’s first ever Final and was a brilliant achievement. 

Lily Gaffney was due to compete in the 13-14 League 2 Female category on Sunday, however an untimely netball accident at school that week meant she sadly had to withdraw from the event. However, Lily showed great team spirit coming all the way to Sheffield on the Saturday to support Maya and Lily and all 3 participated in the club fly-by. 

Sunday marked the last ever competition for 2 long serving members of Queensmead, Rebecca Hallam and Emma Collier who are retiring from competition to spend more time coaching at the club. Rebecca and Emma have been competing in the Trampoline League since its inception in 2014.  

Rebecca and Emma had qualified in the top 8 17+ Mixed Synchronised category and competed one Final routine on Sunday morning. The pair achieved their highest ever total score and they came away with the gold medal!  

Later on in the day Rebecca also competed in the 19+ Female League 2 category, finishing in 9th place. 

A huge thank you to our head coach Gary for all his support to the gymnasts at the event and throughout the season. An additional thank you to Rebecca for her additional coaching support on the floor at the event and Emma for judging on the Saturday. It would not be possible to attend these competitions without individuals volunteering their time to coach and officiate.  

This event was a wonderful celebration of all of the gymnasts achievements across the 2023 season and we look forward to the next Trampoline League season in 2024. 

The club’s next competition will be the first London Regional qualifier taking place at Redbridge Sports Centre on 26th November 2023.