19/01/2014 - Holly Banks

HOLLY BANKS ACHIEVES A DREAM
SELECTION INTO THE BRITISH GYMNASTICS WOMENS ARTISTIC DISABILITIES PERFORMANCE SQUAD

Holly started to train at Southampton Gymnastics Club a little over 18 months ago. Initially Holly was a very shy, unconfident girl who had come to us to restart her gymnastics journey. As Holly settled into regular training her confidence grew and she felt comfortable in the gymnastic environment again. Holly has such a fabulous training ethic and is committed and hardworking when she is in the gym.

Holly entered her first competition at the Poole Open Disabilities Competition where she won several medals. Then at the British Open Disabilities Competition A in Newcastle last year she achieved gold on floor and vault and silver on beam. After this competition she was determined to continue to train and succeed.

Earlier this year following a generous donation we were able to purchase a set of asymmetric bars which have assisted with Holly’s training to compete all four pieces of women’s apparatus.

The Club were eager to assist Holly gain more experience and as such she attended a training camp in Glasgow, which gave her increased confidence to believe she was capable of unlocking her full potential.

Following months of hard work Holly then went to the British Squad Trials at Lilleshall where she performed above and beyond our expectations. Holly then went to the British Open Competition A where she won gold on floor, beam, and vault and overall. Holly was British Senior Champion for competition A.

Following an agonising wait we have finally heard from the British Gymnastics team selectors that Holly has been selected for the British Disabilities Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Performance Squad.

I would like to thank all the people and coaches that have helped Holly and for their continued support in the next exciting chapter of her career.

Lorna Clinton

Disabilities Coach