Gold rush for James Young High School gymnasts at Perth competition

Apr 21 2011 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Gold rush for James Young High School gymnasts at Perth competition

HIGH-FLYING pupils from the James Young High School were among the medals after a stunning display at the Scottish School Floor and Vault Championships.

The school’s gymnastics team, who were crowned overall champs last year repeated their superb feat, to take the top prize again.

Over 450-gymnasts took part in the prestigious event in Perth last month with James Young High School taking the gold gong for level two for the second year running.

The pupils from the secondary school also won a silver in level three despite this being their first ever attempt at this level.

The talented teen team of Jessica Pace, Hayley Miller, Megan Payne, Caitlin McConnachie and Calum Gibb did exceptionally well to help bring the medals back to the school trophy cabinet.

Jessica won a fantastic four gold medals in the regional high school level one; a further two golds at national level and two silver and a bronze at national level again.

The 16-year-old also found the time to pass her BAGA coaching award and she devoted her skills to helping coach the teams at five local primary schools which each had teams that also qualified in Perth.

Megan won five golds of her own with two at regional level and two at national level.

She also earned a silver at national level.

There was yet more success for Caitlin McConnachie who won three gold medals — two regional and one national.

And the gold rush continued with Calum Gibb who won five golds with four at regional level and one national.

He topped up his medal haul with two more silver and a bronze in the regionals to complete a great record.

The wonderful results achieved by the team is a reflection of the hard work each of the gymnasts has put in and also the efforts of the coaches throughout the season.

The team would especially like to thank BAGA club coach Annette Miller, Kim O'Connor, Gill Payne and head teacher Mr Chris Horn for all their support and backing.