Emily wins Gold in London Disability Gymnastics |
- Published: Monday, 01 April 2013 02:51
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On Sunday 24th February, Emily Westergaard-Belcher, a year seven student from Oasis Academy Coulsdon, won gold in the London Disability Gymnastics floor and vault competition. The success comes just three months after Emily, from Old Coulsdon, began attending the Zodiac Gymnastics Club in Coulsdon. Eleven year-old Emily who has cerebral palsy was the first person to represent Zodiac in a disability competition. Emily prepared her own 30 second routine for the competition that took place at the Europa Gymnastics Centre in Kent. Emily's parents and coach were there to support her. Emily said: "I was one of the last to perform so I was really nervous. I saw a girl who had done lots of training and her performance was really good so I thought she would win." Emily's nerves had no detrimental effect as she won a gold medal! She said: "I was so happy, I remember my coach Becca kept jumping up and down." With her medal in hand a happy Emily went home before the final trophy ceremony. The next day Emily was amazed to find out that she had also won a gold trophy for scoring the highest out of all the female gymnasts. As Emily had missed the trophy ceremony she was presented with her trophy at her next Zodiac gymnastics class. Offering advice to other people with disabilities Emily said: "Be yourself; if people tell you that you can't do something, show them that you can." |