Isle of Wight could be seeing revival of gymnastics

Newport-based Legacy Elite Gymnastics Academy opened in February 2020. All looked promising, with 50 members signed up.

But within a matter of days, the nation went into the first coronavirus lockdown.

The not-for-profit academy reopened in April last year, but restrictions on indoor events meant any competitive action was almost impossible.

Incredibly, it now boasts 193 members — signalling a resurgence of interest in the sport, not seen on the Island for many years. 

A family-run academy, Legacy Elite is run by Sharron Betts and her daughter, Shannon, 25.

Nine of their gymnasts were entered into a major regional pre-grading event —effectively a ‘practice’ competition, but a vital one for young gymnasts, held in Portsmouth last week.

The squad included Indie Orchard, aged seven, Skye Couse, Indiana Simpkins, Isabelle Berners and Megan Marshall, nine, Beaudi McDonald and Alesha Gayle, ten, Jessica Taylor, 13, and Lucy Collins, 14.

For some of them, it this was their first-ever competition, while for the others, their second. 

But despite their lack of competitive action, they proudly brought home 24 medals and ribbons between them — described by coach Shannon as “an amazing achievement” considering the lockdowns of two years. 

“The pre-grades is very important before taking part in the National Development Programme competition, which takes place next month,” said head coach, Sharron. 

“We have high hopes to extend our business on the Island over the next five years. This means all disciplines in gymnastics will be covered at one Island hub. 

From left: Lucy Collins, 14, Indie Orchard, seven, head coach Sharron Betts, back, and coach, Shannon Betts.

“Our coaches are looking to move up to the next level of gymnastics, to enable them to take competitors to British level in gymnastics at Espior, junior and senior levels — and to national finals. 

“Our goal is to open our club to all abilities, to any Island child, and to the whole community. Our classes are very small, so all children get full commitment from coaches.”

Sharron left the Island with her daughter to allow Shannon the chance to rise to English and British podium place level and finish 30th in the World Championships in France when aged 13.

From the age of 13, mum Sharron coached, starting with Barry Cooke at the Fairway Gymnastics Centre in Sandown, and she eventually amassed an Island gymnastics squad with 12 girls, who all competed at regional grade events. 

They returned to the Island, joining the Wightflyers Trampolining Club, before deciding to bring the spark back to Island gymnastics.