GB gymnast secures fourth place at Tumbling World Championships

Stephanie Colbert from Somme Park in Altnagelvin is over the moon that her gymnast teenaged grandson Owen Stannard continues to shine.

The 15-year-old who lives in Kings Lynn Norfolk with his mother and father Wendy and Anthony along with brother Luke and most weekends he has to make the trip to Wakefield to train with the Great Britain team.

Only recently in his age range he came fourth in the Tumbling World Championships in Florida with Team GB, in fact he was only 0.2 off third spot.

Tumbling is an acrobatic sport which sees gymnasts compete by carrying out a routine of eight elements, known as a pass, along a 25m track. This usually includes a number of somersaults and twists and points are scored for the execution and difficulty of a pass.

“It was always my dream to be part of Team GB and I think what makes me a good tumbler is my power, determination and competitiveness. I am also very positive, which you have to be in gymnastics,” he stated.

Owen, who has begun coaching at King’s Lynn Gymnastics Club, which he has been part of since he was five years old, hopes his success could help to raise the profile of tumbling.

“I started when I was five; I came to an open day at Lynnsport and really enjoyed it,” he added. “In the future I’d like to carry on and hopefully become European or World champion. After that I’d like to become a coach for Team GB.”

As for his granny Stephanie, whose maiden name is Lyttle and is originally from Rossdowney, she is happy that all his hard work is paying off.

“I’m very proud of him and his parents have given him all the support that they can, they are dedicated as well taking him everywhere for training and competitions,” said Mrs Colbert.

“Although he just missed out on third spot in the World Championships, he was competing against 16-17-year-olds.

“All the hard work is paying off for him and his family and everyone is happy for him because he continues to do so well.”