A YOUNG Isle of Wight gymnast who broke both her arms during training last year has gone on to win gold in a mainland competition.

Liberty Lee, eight, brought home multiple gold medals from the Hampshire Grades for U9s and U10s Gymnastics Competition in Southampton at the weekend.

The precocious Island talent won gold in beam, bars, range and conditioning, as well as floor, a silver medal for vault, and another gold medal as the overall champion of her age group, for British Gymnastics Grade 1.

She will now go on to represent her club, Portsmouth Gymnastics, at the regional finals in April.

It is an especially impressive haul of trophies, given Liberty broke both her arms last year, during gymnastics training at her old club on the Isle of Wight.

“Luckily, Portsmouth Gymnastics had already recognised her talent at competitions on the mainland, and took her on to do her rehabilitation,” said Liberty’s mother, Belinda.

“She trains there three times a week, and is very grateful for her Red Funnel sponsorship.

“Her headmistress and teachers at Gurnard Primary have been really supportive of her training schedule demands.”

Liberty took up gymnastics when she was just three years old, showing promise at a young age.

“Liberty’s dad and I are so proud of how resilient and brave she has been,” said Belinda.

“She was never disheartened, always smiley and polite to the hospital staff, and so single-minded about returning to gymnastics.

“She's a very inspirational little person, and is keen to thank everyone at St Mary's Hospital who looked after her - in A&E, on the Children's Ward, Orthopaedics and Paediatric Physiotherapy.”

"Thank you for being so kind to me and mending my arms,” said Liberty.

“Gymnastics makes me feel so happy and free.”