As the first month of 2020 has flown by we have a look back at the January competitions to see how our GSF athletes have done! Competitions this month included Multi Sports – Winter Youth Olympics, Wheelchair Tennis Competition, The British Diving Championships and the Netball Nations Cup.
The 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games was the third edition of the Winter Youth Olympics; a major international multi-sport event and cultural festival for teenagers was held in Lausanne, Switzerland, the home of the International Olympic Committee, between 9 and 22 January.
Theo Collins, the first British long track skater to compete in any Olympic Winter Games since 1992, was delighted with his team’s silver medal.
“Long track in the UK is slowly developing, but hopefully getting a medal in the Youth Olympics will get it some attention,” he said. “When you do a sport and you love it, you want other people to join in.”
Meanwhile, the experience of being involved in a team event of mixed ability has proven both inspirational and instructive.
“It’s quite nice to skate with people of such a high level,” said Collins. “I put in everything because I wanted to do the rest of the team justice. They’ve put in a lot of hard work as well.”
Next was the Australian Open which took place on the 20th January till the 2nd February. It was the 108th edition of the Australian Open, the 52nd in the Open Era, and the first Grand Slam of the year. Jordanne Whiley picked up her first Grand Slam trophy since becoming a mother as she won the Wheelchair Women’s Doubles with her partner Yui Kamiji. In the Wheelchair Women’s Singles Jordanne’s Double’s partner Yui unfortunately knocked her out in the quarter finals.
Commiserations also to Lucy Shuker and to Louise Hunt!
Jordanne Whiley (right)
Next, we move on to the British Diving Championships that took place on the 24th of January where to say the least a lot of our athletes shined through. Across the board GSF athletes took home 2 Bronze, 2 Silvers and 4 Golds! Which is an amazing achievement well done everyone!
It is only fair to name all these talented individuals.
So firstly we will start with Ben Cutmore who went for gold alongside partner Lucas Thomson. They achieved this in the 10m synchro and they were really happy with their achievement and they still focus on how they can improve and better their future performances. It’s safe to say this is not the last time we will here from this diving duo.
Ben Cutmore (right)
Also, striving for Gold Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix won in the 10m platform. What an outstanding achievement, and this was Andrea’s first time on winning a senior national title. Well done Andrea keep up the good work!
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (left)
Next up we have Eden Cheng who achieved a Gold medal in 10m synchro alongside partner Lois Toulson! This is an amazing achievement and we are so happy for Eden Cheng and her partner. Eden Chengs next performance was a 10m platform Dive coming 9th! Well done to you and GLL Sport Foundations wish you a speedy recovery!
Eden Cheng (right)
Additionally, synchro pair Maria Papworth and ScarlettMew Jenson went for Gold in the Women’s 3m Synchro. They were really happy with their turnout as they did not feel they trained as much at all! This leaves the pair to defend their British title for the second successive year. Well done both of you!
Maria Papworth and Scarlett Mew Jenson
Going for silver we have Noah Williams who shone in the 10m platform – keep working hard Noah your work and achievements are recognised!
Noah Williams (left)
Grace Reid also achieved silver in the 3m Springboard. The hard work pays off, keep on trying hard It wont be the last we here of the name Grace Reid as she is a key competitor and representative of GLL Sport Foundations.
Grace Reid (left)
Well done to both Ben Cutmore and Scarlett Mew Johnson who went for their second medal of the British Diving Championships but this time they stood alone. With, Ben Cutmore achieved Bronze in the Men’s 10m platform, and Scarlett Mew Johnson was also awarded Bronze in the 3m Springboard. Well done both of you GLL Sport Foundations congratulate you!
It’s safe to say that GSF divers done extremely well and represented our foundations and what we do in the best way possible!
Finally the Netball Nations Cup took place between 19th to the 26th of January and was hosted by England. The games were held at various venues which included Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, Arena Birmingham and the 3rd place match and final taking place at the Copper Box Arena in London.
GSF athlete Sophie Drakeford-Lewis who represents England fought hard to reach the final, however they narrowly missed out. 3rd place was still up for grabs with a game against South Africa. After a tight game England narrowly won as they claimed bronze in the competition. Congratulations to Sophie and the England team!
