13/05/2019 - English Silver Tumbling Championships 2019

Competition Update from Head Coach (Eddy Collins):

This is now the second year for this new national final event under, English Gymnastics for tumbling. For this year’s event, 6 tumblers from the Southampton tumbling program qualified for this event.

It was observed this year event saw some improvements on how the event was run and executed. E.g. Trampolining & DMT having totally separate program from the tumbling program. Another notable change was the introduction of 2 new tumbling tracks. As always to a tumble, this like getting a “new pair of shoes”, they either feel just right or need wearing in!

One of the key aspects with new rebound equipment “tumbling track” is the compression density of the mats on the top. It was noted and observed that to some tumblers, the new track mats made the track feel slightly softer/slower on its repulsion time. This requiring some small changes to their tumbling techniques when moving backwards down the track. This is where podium training provides the tumble with an opportunity to verify and confirm these finer details before competing next day.

Prior to the tumblers attending this event, a significant amount of time was invested in their training on the “strategies they should adopt” when attending high level events like this…. (the “none technical aspects” of being a tumble). It was great to see that all the tumblers had noted and recognised much of what had been covered. As a result, this allowed them to immerse themselves to a level that I would assess as “just about right” for each one of them… (as in the 3 bears fable “not hot, not cold but just right”)

So to their performance and outcomes, regardless of the final results to me, ALL tumblers did a magnificent job. I can only say I am very moved by tumblers for letting me share these special moments and experience with them. To me they are all a credit to themselves as individuals living out there wishes and dreams. It is a fact that for all competitors, not all things go the way they might want. It is these times that matter the most, in that they discover ways of not “seeing such things a failure” but an opportunity to learn and build strength of character as a key building block to the foundation of their dreams and aspirations.

The quality and volume of this year’s competition (especially level 3 and 4), I would have to say was one of the best I seen for some years now. But thanks to the tumblers applying all they have learned and trained for thus far, plus the support of there parents, it was a fantastic weekend for the tumblers of Southampton. One last point – on the behalf of the tumblers, I’d like to pass on special thanks to Kat, who give up her weekend to come along “as volunteer” to support all the tumblers, parents and myself.

So from this point we are now leading up to the next national event, Team Regional Final and British Champs qualification. Only enough time to take a breather before this is on us. So I hope all tumblers looking for every chance to up their game between now and then.

 

Best hopes and wishes to you all – Eddy

 

Results from 2019 English Silver Championships

Frankie Clark: National 2, 9/10 years = 6th position
Katie Eccles: National 3, 11/12 years = 13th position
Sophie Hodson: National 3, 13/14 years = 16th position
Ethan Jackson-Lowe: National 4, U13 years = 1st position 
Katie Darby: National 4, 13+ years = 2nd position 
Emily Fisher: DEV FIG, 15+ years = 3rd position 

 

Well Done ALL Tumblers!