Two Croxley Green girls have flipped their way to success, receiving bronze medals in a national gymnastics’ competition.
Isla Bridgeman, 10, who is a pupil at Little Green Junior School, and Ophelia Whitfield, 12, recently competed in the Acrobatic British Championships in Stoke-on-Trent.
Competing alongside her partner Rosalie, Isla went on to win a bronze medal, whilst Ophelia competed in a mixed pair at the nationals and also came away with a bronze medal.
Both girls train at Harefield Gymnastics & Dance four times a week to perfect their routines.
Speaking to CROXLEYNEWS, Isla’s mum Jessica Bridgeman, said she is over the moon to see Isla’s dedication to hours and hours of training pay off.
She said: “They won bronze medal against 10 other pairs, they did exceptionally well. Isla is very very proud of herself, she was so happy, they work really really hard.
“They come in and put everything into every session, so happy for her that it paid off.”
Jessica added that Isla’s story has not just been about the gymnastics but about making friends for life as week.
She said: “I think another thing that’s been amazing for her is the social aspect, as a squad, made me a some of her best friends through gymnastics
“Completely thrived since lockdown and now she refuses to miss a session, her passion for it has become even more.”
A spokesperson for Little Green School commended Isla on her achievement.
They said: “Most of us cannot imagine the dedication, perseverance and commitment you must show day in and day out to achieve a national level of excellence, let alone attain a bronze medal! We are all inspired and delighted with your achievement and, on behalf of the school, a huge well done!”
Ophelia, who has been doing gymnastics since she was five, also competes alongside her school, Royal Masonic School for Girls, in national and regional competitions.
Nicole Whitfield, Ophelia’s mum, said she was delighted to see all of her hard work pay off.
She said: “She’s put a lot of hours into training and she’s getting to the point where she’s really enjoying it, she has a new partnership who she won with, so they’re obviously working well together.
“The fact she came away with a national medal has spurred her on even more.”
Nicole added that like Isla, Ophelia’s dedication to gymnastic has grown even more since the pandemic hit.
She said: “It was a great final, they were altogether there, it’s the first time she’s done something with all of her friends because COVID had stopped that.
“After lockdown the dedication to try and succeed and make sure she’s doing well is even more.”
Harefield Gymnastics & Dance has general gymnastics classes where parents can sign up their children to a free taster session.
To find out more about Harefield Gymnastics & Dance, head to: www.harefieldgymnastics.com/
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