Richmond will represent Great Britain at the World Acrobatic Championships in Portugal next month.

Between 9 to 23 September, 14 gymnasts from Richmond Gymnastics Association (RGA) will showcase their abilities at the upcoming championships.

The acrobats are:

• Senior Men's Group: Louis Alexander, Freddie Turner, Rex Booth and Samuel Ditchburn
• Senior Women's Group: Michaela Cook, Amber Harvey and Sophia Gold
• Junior Mixed Pair: Toby Cooper-Driver and Leela Ramini
• 12-18 Age Group, Women's Group: Chloe Bartholomew, Charlotte Dawson and Isla Henderson
• 12-18 Age Group, Mixed Pair: Christoph Tilroe and Louisa Szalacsi 

Melanie Sanders, RGA's Head of Acrobatics said: "Although Acrobatic Gymnastics is visually stunning and impressive, it has yet to be included in the Olympic programme, so we are delighted to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in September.

"Some of our gymnasts are competing for Great Britain for the first time and our Senior partnerships have been together less than a year."

Competing for Great Britain for the first time are both Louisa (14) and Isla (12). Both girls found out on their way back from a summer break with their respective families, with British Gymnastics sending the good news directly to their parents.

Isla, who was discovered in one of RGA's recreational classes at Grena Road before moving to the Acrobatics squad at the age of seven said: "I'm really excited to be going to Worlds. I found the Olympics, especially Simone Biles' vaults really inspiring and can't wait to go to Portugal."

Louisa, with her background in ballet, also started Acrobatics at the age of seven. She commented: "I'm so excited to be representing Great Britain.

"I found Jordan Chiles really inspiring and of course Simone Biles too; they really showed that hard work pays off."

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Melanie added: "We are very proud of all our gymnasts, their hard work and their commitment. We hope they enjoy the experience of competing for their country."

Attending the World Championships is self-funded, covering everything from entry costs to travel, accommodation to competition attire and more.

To support RGA, visit its JustGiving page for more information. 

Founded in 1992, RGA is a local charity delivering gymnastics to over 1,500 children and young people in Richmond borough.

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