Harrogate schoolboy Robert Kidd has won the chance to train with some of the UK’s leading gymnasts after qualifying at a national competition in the West Midlands.
The nine-year-old pupil at Belmont Grosvenor School in Harrogate represented Yorkshire at the National Finals of the Men’s Artistic Club Level 1 contest in Birmingham.
The schoolboy, who trains for 15-hours per week at the Leeds Gymnastics Club in Seacroft, Leeds, was placed 10th in the competition – guaranteeing him a training place at the home of the British Gymnastics Association.
Robert will spend four days at the Lilleshall National Sports and Conferencing Centre in Newport, Shropshire – one of the UK’s centres of excellence for sportsmen and women.
Robert said:
I am really excited about going to Lilleshall –. I’m the youngest person from my gym to be going, and I’m looking forward to learning lots of new things.
Lilleshall is the place where all the big names in gymnastics train – I’m going to learn new skills, meet new friends and meet other coaches. I can’t wait.
During the Birmingham competition, Robert competed over the six gymnastics apparatus – floor, pommel, still rings, vault, parallel bars and high bars.
Robert started gymnastics when he was just four years old and trains in Leeds alongside heroes Ashley Watson and Nile Wilson.
Both are members of the Senior GB squad and are working towards competing at the Olympics in 2016.
Robert dreams of becoming a member of Team GB himself and competing at a future Olympic Games.
Head of Boys PE at Belmont Grosvenor School Chris Dight praised Robert’s success at Birmingham.
Chris said:
Robert works extremely hard and deserves success – everyone here at Belmont Grosvenor is behind him and wishes him loads of success on his training camp.
Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, is set in 20-acres of grounds just three miles from Harrogate.
Boys and girls at the school take part in a wide range of sports, including netball, tag rugby, football, swimming, pop lacrosse and hockey.
