A TRIO of talented gymnasts with a West Fife club have struck gold representing Great Britain on the international stage.
Scarlett Haldane, Emma Nelson and Ella Gracie, who are members of Rosyth-based Acrobay Gymnastics Club, travelled to Mainz, Germany, last month to participate in the Gutenberg Cup competition and returned home with medals.
The girls, who are all from Dunfermline, won gold in the combined final, as well as picking up silver for both their dynamic routine and balance performance, at the event held between October 27-29.
To top off their fantastic achievements with Team GB, for whom Acrobay's Maria Roche was selected to travel as part of the coaching staff, Scarlett, 17, Emma, 15, and Ella, 12, were then named as 'Junior Gymnasts of the Year' at the 2023 Scottish Gymnastics Awards, held on November 4.
READ MORE: Dunfermline gymnasts join Team GB for international tournament
Commenting on the girls' success, Suzanne Fraser, Acrobay's head coach, commented: "Scarlett, Emma and Ella’s routines wowed the judges who’d come from across Europe for the Gutenberg Cup. They’ve had three international wins over the last 14 months, but this time felt extra special because they were part of Team GB for the first time.
"The competition was live-streamed and hundreds of Acrobay gymnasts were watching from our gym and home, willing them on. Winning against such extremely tough competition was something we’ll never forget. Intense work goes into each move in every routine, so it was emotional to see the girls on the podium."
Suzanne added: "The Scottish Gymnastics’ annual awards are a highlight of the year, so to see Scarlett, Emma and Ella win, as well as hearing Acrobay announced as club of the year, felt absolutely amazing."
Commenting on their successes, Scarlett said: "I was excited to meet up with the rest of Team GB in Germany and share the experience with some of the best gymnasts in the nation.
"The atmosphere at the competition was unreal. The German hosts were so friendly and the support for the Great Britain team brilliant. Winning a gold, and then a Gymnast of the Year, makes me feel so proud.”
Emma commented: "I loved the experience of being part of the Great Britain team from start to finish. It was a dream to have been so successful in Mainz on our GB debut.
"I hope, with continued hard work, Scarlett, Ella and I will earn further opportunities."
And Ella added: "I couldn’t wait to go to Germany and loved watching the other GB gymnasts’ routines. I also liked visiting different parts of Mainz and going to the gymnastics banquet because I made a lot of new friends.
"This was our first time representing Great Britain so I was really happy we completed three clean routines and very proud of our partnership."
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