Anna (From Warrington Guardian)

Anna

to join national squad

ANNA Stubbs has become Padgate Gymnastics Club's first national squad member.

The 10-year-old will join the country's cream of the crop in artistic gymnastics at a national training camp in Loughborough next week.

Anna, of Woolston, is just one of six in the country at her age level that joins the band of gymnasts being considered for competing in future national events.

And she now moves on to the world class start programme, in which she will benefit from extra support financially and on the coaching side too.

The St Peters School pupil gained her place in the national squad after impressing selectors at a full day of examinations, and the club's coaches feel her call-up is fully deserved.

Kelly Simcock, who along with her sister Siobhan has guided Anna for the past five years, said: "She's pretty special and a delight to coach.

"Anna is a natural on the bars and no challenge is too great for her.

"On the other pieces (floor, beam and vault) she has to apply her focus more and works really hard on them.

"As a performer she has nerves of steel and that has been said by many coaches. I've never seen a kid with such determination as a performer.

"She trains five or six times per week and gives 100 per cent all of the time. She's a delight to coach."

Anna is currently the British champion on the bars at level three, the holder of a national gold medal with the north west team and the current combined north west champion.