Gymstars juniors impress in Budapest

Not for the first time, Gymstars Gymnastics Club recorded some encouraging results in an international competition, this time held in Budapest, Hungary.

This was the first time Gymstars took part in such a high-level competition which saw the participation of clubs from 13 other countries, including Holland, France, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden and Hungary.

Under the supervision of Bulgarian coach Plamen Angelov, the Maltese gymnasts produced some commendable performances. Kristina Schranz, who also acted as judge on behalf of Gymstars, prepared the choreography.

In the elite group, Francesca Borg's positive showing earned her a place in the final where she finished eighth. The talented Martina Galea also fared well to confirm her prospects of a bright future.

Due to the withdrawal of Audrey Schembri who was unwell, Malta missed the chance to take part in the elite team's competition.

Yet, the Maltese contingent had plenty to smile about as the club's young gymnasts turned in an impressive display to win a bronze medal in the junior team competition. The side was composed of Kirsty Caruana, Mia Vickery, Tara Dalli, Nicole Pace and Adreana Zammit.

Individually, they also left their mark. Caruana finished first overall, in vault and floor, and second on bars. Vickery was second overall, first on bars and third on floor.

Dalli claimed silver on beam and bronze on floor, Zammit was third on floor, vault and bars, and Pace took silver on vault and bronze on beam.