Like many other organisations, the global pandemic presented many challenges for the local Gymnastics club – Astrid Academy of Movement.
Based in Kirk Merrington Primary School the club faced a fight for survival as lock down measures ended all face to face coaching and lessons migrated online.
This resulted in many budding gymnasts losing interest as the social aspect of their favourite hobby disappeared and has required a huge amount of effort to recover after losing nearly half of its members.
A recent recruitment drive has seen club numbers double in the last 9 months to over 100 gymnasts attending weekly sessions and continues to offer places to children in the area interested in taking up Acro Gymnastics.
After 2 years without the opportunity to compete in competitions the club has stormed back to success in only their second competition since restrictions eased
Competing at the Deerness Acro & Floor competition on 26th & 27th of February the club entered 35 gymnasts on Saturday and 18 on Sunday aged between 5 to 16 years old.
Some gymnasts from the club had only competed once previously, but for many this was their first competitive experience.
Saturday produced an impressive haul of 13 Golds, 8 Silver and 6 Bronze medals and a particular highlight being Amber Wearmouth scoring a 9.7 to take the highest overall score of the day.
There was no let up on Sunday’s acrobatics routines as club members went on to take a further 2 Golds, 2 Silvers and 3 Bronze Medals and 7 others narrowly missing out in podium positions in 4th place.
All of the gymnasts performed amazing routines and did themselves and the club proud, the club is definitely excited to see what comes next.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
