Gymnast Olivia leaps forth

29th Jan, 2010, by Jude Owens

Year 12 Kings of Wessex student and member of Weston Aerobics Gymnastics Club Olivia Owen (16) continues her gymnastics success with a flourish.

Olivia recently won a Highly Commended "Pride of Somerset Youth Award" presented at a ceremony sponsored by Taunton Rotary Club, BBC Somerset, Somerset County Gazette and Avon and Somerset Police on Friday 15 January 2010, held at Somerset College, Taunton. Olivia's award recognised her position on the GB Gymnastics Squad last year when she travelled to Las Vegas to compete in the American National Aerobic Championships - all the while balancing her GCSE exams, in which she was equally successful. At the ceremony, the husband of Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett, who died suddenly in October 2009, spoke to the audience about the value of awards and achievements in life.

Olivia has also recently been named joint young Sports Person of the Year for the local Lanes Award, which she shares with former Kings student Dan Salway. Nominated by family and friends in recognition of her commitment to her chosen sport, Olivia had a lovely surprise when read that she was a winner in the newspaper.

Olivia still trains with Weston Aerobic and Gymnastics Club four times a week, including all day on Saturdays. She will be travelling to Slovakia in the Easter holidays to compete in the Slovakian Open in the 15-17 years category against the other European countries in a trio, with her younger sister Ellen, and friend Flora Lacy. Olivia will also be participating in a six team, and the sextet are practising a hand jive dance from the film Grease with aerobics. This is a new category for Olivia and Flora and involves a bigger floor.

Olivia has been practising gymnastics since she was seven years old, when she and Ellen used to do hand-stands against the sofa at home until they joined a club firstly in Burnham-on-Sea for coaching.

Headteacher Chris Richardson said, "I am delighted to learn that Olivia is going from strength to strength, and being recognised for her dedication to gymnastics. I very much wish Olivia every continuing success in her achievements".

Olivia receiving her award with Don Heys from Taunton Rotary Club.