Huntingdon gymnast, Daniel Keatings, rounded off a superb fortnight of competitive gymnastics last weekend, after an excellent performance at the Mens Senior British Championships in London. Following his historic silver medal at the World Championships two weeks ago Keatings, 19, went on to win the prestigious Champions Trophy tournament in Hannover, before flying back to take the All Around Title at the British Championships last Saturday. His score of 88.1 was over a mark above Dudley’s Kristian Thomas, with Huntingdon’s Luke Folwell taking a bronze medal for a very secure performance over 6 apparatus. Keatings also took gold medals on Floor, Parallel Bars, and High Bar, whilst Luke added silver medals on Vault and Parallel Bars and a bronze on rings. Louis Smith lived up to his Olympic reputation by swinging with flair and security to take the British Title on Pommel Horse, his specialist discipline.

In the under 18 category Huntingdon gymnast Cameron Mackenzie worked well to finish with the all around bronze medal, and also took gold on Pommel Horse and High Bar, silver on Parallel Bars, and a bronze on Rings. The event was won by Reiss Beckford of South Essex, with Anthony Hughes in Second. Clubmate Sam Oldham worked superbly in the under 16 event, taking the all around title with a score of 83.8, as well as 3 apparatus titles and 3 further medals, making him the day’s most decorated gymnast. Max Bennet finished a creditable 4th in the under 18 section, taking gold on the floor exercise. Clubmate Alex Brailsford finished 6th, taking a silver on vault for his full twisting stretched somersault.

The Club were well represented at the younger age groups with Tony Duchars coming 11th overall, and Harrison Cooper-Lewis finishing 24th. Head Coach, Paul Hall was happy with the result: ‘Huntingdon has a new Mens British Champion and success at all ages- a great result and deserved reward for all the efforts of coaches and gymnasts alike. We are all looking forward to London 2012.”

Keatings, Smith, and Folwell fly to Stuttgart on the 12th November to represent Great Britain in the final competition of the circuit, and will then begin preparations for the forthcoming European Championships, to be held in Birmingham in the Spring.