The young, aspiring gymnasts in the county were delighted to return to competitive action for the first time in nearly two years when Sunday saw the return of Acrobatic Gymnastics competitions to Northern Ireland.

Splitz gymnasts travelled to Flight Gymnastic Academy in Mallusk, Belfast for a National Development Programme (NDP) friendly. Excitement was high at what was the first ever competitive outing for many of their younger squad members.

Even their seasoned gymnasts relished the opportunity to don their competition leotards again for the first time since March 2020 when they competed in the Northern Ireland Regional Qualifiers at the same venue in Belfast.

Splitz had nine partnerships entered comprising of four women’s pairs, four women’s groups and one mixed pair.

They all performed individually tailored two minute routines consisting of dance elements interspersed with balances and dynamic moves across the NDP grades one to Youth.

The atmosphere was relaxed with Christmas cheer evident- each competitor received a large selection box courtesy of our hosts Flight Gymnastics.

Medals were abundant with results as below:

Women’s pairs

Grade 1 – Zara Fisher and Charlotte Farrell - 1st place

Grade 2 – Emma McElwaine and Lucy Rice - 3rd place

Grade 4 – Kyra Duffy and Emily Hanna- 1st place

Youth – Riona Dooris and Jessica Hanna – 1st place

Mixed Pairs

Grade 2 – Lorcan McManus and Eva-Rose McCluskey – 1st place

Women’s Groups

Grade 2 – Aine Rice, Emily Jordan and Laoise Fogarty – 1st place

Grade 3 – Alicia McElwaine, Lexi McElwaine and Niamh Breen – 5th place

Grade 3 – Phoebe Rutledge, Aoife McGuigan and Mena O’Reilly – 1st place

Youth – Maeve Duffy, Naoise Kerrin and Caoimhe O’Reilly – 2nd place

Northern Ireland was the last of the four regions to be allowed by British Gymnastics to return to contact acrobatic training after Covid restrictions eased, so the relief was heartfelt for gymnasts to finally get an opportunity to showcase their hard work over the last 20 months.

Splitz wishes to give a special mention to their young leaders and coaches who travelled up to help the day run smoothly – Molly Rice, Beth McGowan, Sarah Rutledge, Ellie Rutledge, Carole Cooke and Splitz Head Coach Jennifer Hanna.

They now look ahead to hosting their own Tumbling Competition at Castle Park Leisure Centre on December 18, where all the club's gymnasts (including recreational classes and teen gym) have a chance to perform.