Eleven Elite Gymnastics Academy athletes to represent Northern Ireland at national finals

Young gymnasts from Elite Gymnastics Academy in Toomebridge, Katie DeNiro and Emily Rose McGuckin

Young gymnasts from a Co Antrim club will make up a significant part of the Northern Ireland team at this year’s National Gymnastics League National Finals after three more athletes secured selection.

Anabel McMurray, Katie DeNiro and Emily Rose McGuckin, all from Elite Gymnastics Academy in Toomebridge, have been chosen to represent Northern Ireland at the British Gymnastics-backed competition in London later this year.

Their selection brings the club’s total representation at the prestigious national finals to 11 gymnasts, underlining the academy’s growing reputation for developing young talent since it opened in 2020.

Three more athletes earn national call-up

The latest selections follow strong performances throughout the season, with the trio joining eight teammates who had already secured places on the Northern Ireland squad.

Having 11 athletes representing Northern Ireland from a single club is another notable achievement for the Toomebridge-based academy and reflects the progress it has made in just six years.

Young gymnast from Elite Gymnastics Academy in Toomebridge, Anabel McMurray

Head coach Christine Shannon praised both the gymnasts and the coaching team behind their success.

“We could not be prouder of these girls. Their dedication, commitment and hard work have earned them this incredible opportunity, and we’re delighted to see even more of our gymnasts selected to represent Northern Ireland. Having 11 gymnasts qualify for the National Finals is a fantastic achievement for both these athletes and our club.

“I’m also incredibly proud of our fantastic coaching team, who have dedicated themselves to developing these gymnasts and helping them achieve this.”

National finals ahead

The National Gymnastics League National Finals, backed by British Gymnastics, will bring together leading young gymnasts from across the UK when they compete in London later this year.

For Elite Gymnastics Academy, having 11 athletes selected to wear Northern Ireland colours represents another milestone in the club’s continued development and gives its gymnasts the opportunity to test themselves against some of the country’s best young talent.