A passion for gymnastics

Having trained since she was six, Ella has ambitions to be a coach

Cotswold School student Ella is a member of North Cotswolds Gymnastics and Trampolining Academy (NCGTA) and trains for 16 hours every week in four-hour sessions.

What is it about gymnastics that you find fun or rewarding?

I love learning a new skill. It’s such a great feeling when you land a certain move for the first time.

What makes it challenging?

Beam is probably the scariest piece of apparatus as you’re flipping five feet in the air on a 4-inch plank of wood and then doing another flip after that. You get used to it! You meet the challenge by practising and building your confidence. The harder you train the stronger you’ll be.

What are gymnastics competitions like?

I have competed many times over the years and each time it has helped me to get better. Competitions include all four pieces, which are floor, beam, vault and bars. I have competed in Bournemouth, The Forest of Dean and Bristol.

What are your ambitions?

I’d love to carry on with gymnastics until I’m older and see where I get to, maybe do a little bit of coaching as well. I do lots of other sports in school like running, netball and athletics.

How has gymnastics help you to develop?

The kind of characteristics you need to succeed are confidence, commitment and perseverance –these are very important in gymnastics.