Two Waterside Gymnastics Club teenagers won a bronze medal for Great Britain at the 2024 TeamGym European Championships

AFTER a fundraising effort from the community, two local gymnasts helped Great Britain win a bronze medal at the 2024 TeamGym European Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Noadswood School pupil Zach Gibbs (15) and Brockenhurst College student Max Briant (17), of Waterside Gymnastics Club in Hythe, helped achieve the third placing.

To help fund travel to multiple training sessions held all over the country, the cost of travel and accommodation to Azerbaijan and the GB kit that both boys were required to have, the club went on a fundraising drive.

Coaches and parents at the gym supported the fundraising throughout the year in various ways, and in conjunction with an online page, the club raised just over £5,000.

Waterside Gymnastics Club lead coach Della Downes spoke about the boys: “Zach and Max have been part of Waterside Gymnastics Club for over 10 years and have been a joy to coach. The honour of being chosen to represent Great Britain in Baku is a testament to their continual hard work, dedication and respect for the sport.

“As their coaches, both my daughter Amy and I are extremely proud of them and were excited to travel to Baku with the boy’s families, where we witnessed them win the bronze for GB despite the exceedingly high level of competition.

“Zach and Max not only train three times a week but also give up many hours in their week to coach and inspire the younger gymnasts within the club.

“Well done, boys; Waterside is lucky to have you!”

The two boys have taken part in numerous regional and national competitions over the years, along with many teammates from the club.

Over the last two years, the boys have progressed to a higher level and achieved third place in the TeamGym British Championships in 2023 and first place in Newcastle in 2024.

The boys travelled to Baku as part of the junior mixed team to take on teams from 14 other European countries.

After an extremely close competition, they were ecstatic to come third, finishing closely behind Sweden and Iceland.

The GBR senior mixed team (aged 17 and over) also had fantastic success, achieving a silver medal.