On Sunday, November 20, 15 members of Splitz Gymnastics Club Acro Squad travelled to Dublin for their first competitive performance of the season.

The Acro Friendly Competition, hosted by Clondalkin Gymnastics Club, attracted over 100 gymnasts from clubs throughout Ireland with an abundance of dynamic partnerships on display.

The event catered for a wide range of skill levels and for younger members in the squad, this was their first time competing in the discipline of Acrobatics and they did not disappoint.

The six newly formed partnerships performed a two-minute routine to music which consisted of a wide range of balances and tumbles.

It is fair to say that their hard work, dedication, and commitment received just rewards as the gymnasts earned themselves a generous hall of medals for the club.

First up was the Grade Four partnership of Poppy Corr and Naoise Kerrin whose elegant and rhythmic display gained them a highly deserved and impressive bronze medal place.

Lucia Allen, Cori McConnell and Lexi McElwaine were up next in the Grade Two B category. Their highly charged and fast-paced ‘Can Can’ inspired routine earned them the keenly sought after gold medal position.

Grade Three duo, Aine Rice and Niamh Breen, took to the floor next to perform their upbeat and energetic routine to Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’.

Also competing in this category was Emma McElwaine and Mollie Kate Brewster who performed a beautifully clean-cut routine to ‘Beetlejuice’.

This was the category with the most competitors and both partnerships wowed the audience with an abundance of artistic flair and finesse.

The Grade Three B category trio of Sofia Allen, Lucy Rice and Emily Jordan also shone through on the day with their powerful performance, choreographed to the Lion King, securing yet another medal for the club with a highly impressive second place.

As the competition drew to a close, the club’s final competitors rounded off the day in style with the Grade Four pairing of Laoise Fogarty, Alicia McElwaine and Phoebe Rutledge.

Their routine encompassed the more technically advanced gymnastic elements and scooped them the gold medal position. This skilled trio were also rewarded for their efforts with the highest score of the day from Splitz Gymnastics Club.

Hard work pays off

Following the competition, Splitz head coach Jenny Hanna said: “What a way to begin our competitive season!

“These partnerships are newly formed this year and train up to five hours every week, so to see their hard work paying off is just fantastic to see. I couldn’t be prouder!”

The club’s head coach also paid tribute to all the parents and volunteer coaching staff for their unwavering support adding: “On a weekend when some of our acro partnerships were travelling to Scotland to compete in the East Kilbride invitational and some to Clondalkin, I am extremely grateful for the continued support and help of our parents and coaches.

“Without their help and support, none of this would be possible.”

An exciting season lies ahead for all these acro partnerships as they look forward to flipping and dancing their way into lots more highly contested competitions.