Photo: Pocklington School Second Year pupil, Scarlett McMullen (left) receiving her medal and trophy
Scarlett McMullen is the Under 13 Schools’ Novice Trampolining Champion after winning her category in the British Gymnastics National Schools’ Trampoline Finals.
Pocklington School’s Under 13s team of Lucy Grewer (1st Year), Lucy Harrison-Little, Ally Law and Scarlett (all 2nd Year), were close runners-up in the U13 category at the same event, held in Northern Ireland at the beginning of the Easter holidays.
Jan Kilsby, Games teacher i/c Trampolining, said: “I’m proud of Scarlett and the entire team for staying calm and focused in the highly charged atmosphere of a national final, and putting in wonderful performances. They’ve worked very hard and their success is well-deserved.”
Almost 500 gymnasts from 160 schools across the UK competed in the finals, at Newtownards Leisure Centre, after successfully completing two qualifying rounds. The gymnasts performed two trampoline routines – one “set” and one “voluntary” – and all Pocklington’s competitors performed without any mistakes.
Mrs Kilsby said: “We knew Scarlett was among the leaders and that everyone in our team had performed well, but it was a very anxious wait while the scores were totted up. When the results were announced, the girls were delighted.”
The trampolinists, supported by their families, have spent many hours practising for the competition, which began last November. Mrs Kilsby, their coach, has dedicated a lot of her own time to helping the girls prepare, along with her daughter Kayleigh. Mr Kilsby (pictured right) also acted as an official at the competition.