Champion Gymnast gives Northern Regional College top marks for sports course

Niamh McConnell from Coleraine, who is studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, came first on bars at the Women’s Artistic Classic Challenge Championships 2022 in Guildford, England.

Representing Team Northern Ireland, 17-year-old Niamh, who is a member of the Sika Gymnastics Club in Coleraine, also came second on beam and won an All-Around silver medal during the competition at Surrey Sports Park.

Niamh’s gymnastic skills have been recognised locally and last year, she was a recipient of the Harry McCormick Youth Bursary at the Coleraine Sports Awards.

Modest Niamh, who is a student at the College’s campus in Coleraine, said she was delighted to have done so well in the competition.

“I was so happy – and shocked – to have won gold on bars, silver on beam and silver All-Around, as I wasn’t expecting to get any medals,” she said.

Niamh was one of 13 Northern Ireland gymnasts participating in the competition in December, but she was the only one competing at the highest (Gold) level. She explains how the Harry McCormick bursary had helped fund the trip.

“I was able to use the £250 bursary to travel to the competition in England so I really appreciated the financial support,” she said.

“My next competition will be in Northern Ireland in March but it’s my dream to compete in the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.”

The talented young gymnast who is in the second year of her course at Northern Regional College, said she hopes it will help her secure a job in coaching.

“Ultimately, I plan to become a gymnastics coach so I wanted to study something to help me follow that career path.

“After doing some research, I decided that a BTEC Level 3 in Sport and Exercise Science at Coleraine would be the best course for me to study. I really enjoy what I’m being taught and it’s going very well.“I love gymnastics and I am already qualified to do some coaching,” she said, adding “I’m looking forward to what the future brings once I finish my course this year.”

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