December saw the 24th FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Age Group Competition in Denmark and among the 46 competitors in the 11-12 Tumbling group was Georgie Forbes from Putney, who returned home with her Bronze medal.
Georgie Forbes' Bronze winning tumble
Tumbling is a form of acrobatic activity that involves flips, jumps, rolls, somersaults and handsprings linked together into performance routines and usually performed on a padded floor and choreographed to music. In many ways, a tumbling routine is similar to the floor exercise in gymnastics, although it does not include as many elements of formal dance. Unlike the other elements of gymnastics, tumbling uses no special equipment such as a vault or pommel horse.
Britain did well in the Tumbling sections of the Games with at least one medal winner in all age categories (except men's 17-18 years), with Britain taking gold, silver and bronze in the women's 17-18 year old category.
GB girls Tumbling squad
Georgie told PutneySW15.com: “I had an amazing time in Denmark and I am so pleased with my bronze medal, it’s a dream come true! I’m so thankful to my amazing coaches Kath and Rob Small from Richmond Gymnastics Association and my parents for coming all the way to Odense to watch me. I can’t wait to get back in the gym.”
Coach Kath Small said: "I'm pleased that she managed to control her nerves & cope with the pressure of competing in her first international competition.
Our aim was to make the final and once there I told her to enjoy the experience and the result would take care of itself.
I am very proud & couldn't be happier for her."
Her mother Robyn said: “We are so proud of Georgie! She has trained so hard for this and showed real coolness and composure during a very tough competition to perform her tumbles brilliantly and bring home a bronze medal”.
Suzie Longstaff, Headmistress at Georgie's school, Putney High School told this web site:
“We are absolutely thrilled for Georgie. Her success is due to her hard work, commitment and of course incredible talent. We are delighted to be able to support her through our Elite Sportswoman programme.”