Gymnastics
With thanks to Beth Tweedle for the use of this video.
Where do we start with gymnastics? Well for this first article we thought we should start with a chat to the incredible talented Beth Tweddle who has a long list of achievements to her name. She is an Olympic Bronze Medalist, Triple World Champion, 6 times European Champion, Commonwealth Champion and 7 times National Champion.
Beth has also started her own Gymnastics classes and we provide you with the links to follow to learn her own approved techniques.
Hi Beth, you must be incredibly proud of all of your achievements. Is there one that stood out over the rest?
This is something I’m often asked and the truth is, when I look back over my gymnastics career, it’s so difficult to pin point one particular moment. Representing Great Britain at the Olympics was always something I dreamt of so winning Bronze at London 2012 surrounded by my family, coach and teammates is a feeling that will stay with me forever.
You’re described as an artistic gymnast – what does that mean?
Artistic Gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics which involves routines on Beam, Floor, Uneven Bars and Vault.
How old were you when you first started gymnastics?
I was always on the go when I was younger. I tried swimming, horse riding, ballet, and eventually started gymnastics when I was seven.
Did you enjoy it straight away?
At first I was a little wary of it as I was quite shy and didn’t like being in new environments. I did my first competition at the age of 8 and never looked back after that. I loved trying all the different skills and I remember making lots of friends when I got there.
Is there a specific part of gymnastics that you enjoyed the most?
For me, learning how to throw myself around and spin upside down was so much fun! Later on in my career, I loved the amount of travelling that I got to do and seeing so many different places.
Did you play other sports when you were younger as well?
My family was very hockey orientated so as well as the other sports I tried, I grew up with a hockey stick in my hand, but I really wasn’t interested in that unlike my brother who played for the England Youth Team. I was lucky that my parents introduced me to lots of different sports but gymnastics was always my favourite.
You have travelled the world competing, which country did you enjoy visiting the most?
It is really difficult to pick one as I was lucky enough to visit a lot of different places. Australia was pretty cool although I didn’t enjoy the jet lag.
You received an MBE in 2010 – did you meet the Queen?
I remember finding out I’d been awarded an MBE. When I told my family, my nana and granny started crying, it meant so much to them and that’s what made me realise what an honour it really was. I didn’t meet the Queen but I received the medal from Prince Charles at the palace which felt surreal.
You also found time to do a degree at university – would you advise all budding sports professionals to keep studying?
Yes, definitely! I broke my ankle at the nationals when I was 12 and the doctors told my parents that it was unlikely I would ever compete again. In the back of my parents minds they knew that gymnastics was a hobby I loved doing, but I needed my education. They said GCSEs were my priority but they would support my gymnastics. Staying in education was the best thing that I ever did. It allowed me to be Beth the gymnast, and Beth the normal kid. I am still in education now doing a masters degree in Sporting directorship. I think it is really important to continue your learning no matter how old you are.
What did you enjoy most about taking part in Dancing on Ice?
I loved the whole experience. It came at the right moment just after the 2012 Olympics and gave me a new focus and challenge. I made a lot of new friends on it and I’m still really good friends with both my skating partners, Daniel and Lukasz.
So now you have set up Beth Tweddle Gymnastics, what age do you need to be to join one of your classes?
This is something I’m so proud of. Beth Tweddle Gymnastics is all about giving kids the opportunity to try gymnastics and hopefully have as much fun as I did. On our current programme, we have children starting from two years old, all that way up to eleven and twelve year olds. We’re also currently in the process of launching a new Baby Stars programme for babies and toddlers up to two years old, which my daughter and I have already taken part in – and she loved it!
How can kids join?
We deliver our gymnastics programme in venues across the country, so to find your local class, visit bethtweddlegymnastics.co.uk. There’s loads of information on there about our classes, our coaches and our schools programme.
So, you also have a schools programme. Is that across the country?
Yes, this was always something I was passionate about doing. As well as our classes out of school, we also run a National Curriculum programme in over 250 schools. Our coaches and pupils have so much fun and it’s also a great CPD opportunity for the teachers as we encourage them to get involved too.
What’s your top tip for anyone thinking about giving gymnastics a go?
Honestly, I would just say to go for it! There are so many benefits to gymnastics from health & fitness, to the social aspect, to all the additional skills and values you wouldn’t necessarily think about such as teamwork, confidence, determination and respect.
What about a top tip for someone who already does gymnastics but might want to compete?
As someone who has taken so much enjoyment from the sport, I would encourage anyone to continue with it for as long as they’re passionate. It’s also important to remember that a lot of young gymnasts might not want to be the next World Champion or compete at the next Olympics – and that’s ok too!
Which sports do you enjoy the most now you’re not competing yourself?
I love watching lots of different sports really. My husband also loves his sport so we try and watch as much as possible.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I can’t wait to watch Beth Tweddle Gymnastics continue to grow and engage even more children across the UK in gymnastics. I’ve recently become a mum too, so I’m already looking forward to seeing what passions my daughter grows up to have, and of course instilling the values I’ve learnt over the years so she can apply them to whatever she sets her mind to.
Find your local Beth Tweddle gymnastics class.
