Colyton Grammar pupils win gold at their first international gymnastics competition

Two Colyton Grammar School pupil have brought a for medal home from their first international gymnastics competition.

The brothers, from Uplyme, joined Honiton Gymnastics Club in 2017, training at least four times a week on top of their schoolwork and other hobbies, which include playing with Lyme Regis Town Band.

Having seen some success at regional and national competitions, the club invited Orlando, 15, and Enzo, 13, to compete in the Dinamic International Acro Cup in Valencia, Spain, earlier this month, to gain some experience in an international arena.

The boys considered this a once in a lifetime chance to compete against other countries, have fun with their coaches and teammates, and to meet new people – but they came home with the added bonus of a gold medal!

Orlando and Enzo were joined at the competition by their parents and Canadian grandparents, who flew to Spain especially for the event, as well as fellow club members and their families.

They competed against teams from Israel, Hungary, Italy, Canada, Germany and many other countries, qualifying at the top of the leader sport, with Spain only 0.05 points behind them. 

Their final routine was the last performance of the day and included a pitch to catch, followed by a pike back, and a croc manoeuvre, which required Enzo to balance on his brother's head with one hand and his legs levitating upwards behind him. 

Points were awarded for execution, artistry and difficulty, and deducted for not holding moves for long enough, falling out of moves, failing to complete moves, and wobbles.

The brothers gave a well-executed, confident and controlled final performance and were awarded first place and their first international gold medal. 

Dad Justin said: "This was a memory they would not be forgetting any time soon. Celebrations ensued, and it was time to enjoy the rest of the competition. 

"Time also for plenty of ice cream and churros – but not too many, lest Orlando no longer be able to lift his brother in the next competitions!"