Portsmouth Gymnasts excel with 33 medal win at British Championships

Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is celebrating a successful competition season for its adult squad.

Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is a purpose-built facility situated in Hilsea. It is operated and managed by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.

The team enables participants of all ages across the city to stay active through structured gymnastics classes, pay-as-you-go sessions, holiday clubs, and more.

Recently the coaching team has seen more interest in adult gymnastics during its pay-as-you-go sessions and has encouraged those who want to compete to join the squad.

No entry-level requirements are needed, just the enthusiasm and desire to train regularly and compete. Some squad members started with little gymnastics experience and are showing that it’s never too late to get started.

This August, 22 gymnasts from the centre’s adult squad participated in the British Adult Championships across several disciplines of gymnastics and age groups from 18- 60 years. The levels ranged from novice to pro.

The squad were outstanding, earning 10 gold, 17 silver and 6 bronze national medals across tumbling, acrobatic, artistic and trampolining events. A total of 550 gymnasts represented clubs from across the country throughout the weekend.

On behalf of BH Live, Samantha Maggs, Director of Gymnastics shared;

“We are so proud of the passion, talent and dedication of our members. Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is a community hub for all ages, encouraging budding gymnasts across the city to have fun trying a new activity and building their skills. Additionally, our adult gymnastics class is a fantastic way to meet new people and train in a group setting. We hope many more adults will take part in adult gymnastics and maybe one day win a British medal themselves!”

Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport added:

"It's fantastic to hear Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is encouraging adults across the city to join their squad. It sounds like the squad are incredibly talented and they should be very proud of what they've achieved.

We have an excellent partnership with BH Live and as a council we work hard to support and encourage healthy lifestyles for our residents, and the message that 'you're never too old to begin' is very strong indeed."

As part of its mission to inspire more people across the city to get active, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre hosts adult taster sessions suitable for individuals aged 18+ on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for all abilities. The only requirement is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

For more information, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/gymnastics-centre