Sutherland gymnast wins gold medal at national championships
A YOUNG Sutherland gymnast is savouring golden success after competing at a national competition.
Carol Ball (16) won the gold medal in vault in her category – class 1 women's senior – at the 2023 Artistic Disability British Championships, held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, near Newport, Shropshire, on Sunday, October 1.
The S5 Golspie High School pupil also scooped a fourth place in beam and came 5th in bars and floor, finishing in fifth place in the all around competition.
The competition was well attended with some 60 gymnasts in total taking to the floor in all categories from across the country.
The win came on top of previous success at the Classic Challenge Disability Zinc Competition in Perth in September when Carol was placed third on vault and beam and 4th on bars and floor, winning an overall bronze medal.
Mum Claire Gordon said: “We are super proud of Carol - it was her first disability British championship and she did amazingly well. She moved to four piece gymnastics about a year ago and what a year she has had. All her hard work is paying off!”
Carol has been attending Fyrish Gymnastics Club, Alness, for 11 years and in the past year has also been travelling monthly to the City of Glasgow Gymnastics Club, which has a dedicated training room for disabled gymnasts.
Mainstream gymnastics sessions can be adapted to include people with a physical or learning disability, sensory impairments or health conditions.
Mrs Gordon paid tribute to Carol’s coaches, saying: “Thank you so much to her coaches for supporting her over the years. She could not have done it without you.”
Golspie High School posted on its social media page: “A huge congratulations to Carol Ball S5 who won gold at the Artistic DisabilityBritish Championships. Everyone is very proud of you Carol. What an achievement.”
And Fyrish Gymnastics Club posted: “A huge well done to Carol. Amazing results Carol, very proud of you.”
