Gymnastics: Star gymnasts bring home medal haul

TOP OF THE PODIUM: Wanganui coach Regan Davey with his star pupil Amardin Firaza at the Levin Gymnastic Club's junior competition on Saturday. Photo/Supplied

If it is the first competition in six decades, you have to make the most of that opportunity when it arises.

The Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club had two gymnasts compete at the junior gymnastics competition in Levin on Saturday.

Head coach Kelly Taylor-Ward said it was the first time in 60 years the Levin gymnastics club have hosted a competition, which was well attended by competitors from Rangitikei, Manawatu and Wellington.

Jayden Fergusson, 7, did well to claim a silver medal on the vault for Level 1.

But it was Marton's Amardin Firaza, 9, who dominated his Level 3 competition.

Coming first overall, Firaza finished on top of podium on almost every apparatus, giving him six gold medals in total, more than any other gymnast in the competition.

Taylor-Ward said Firaza's coach Regan Davey, himself 15, was pleased with the results, as the nine-year-old has won every competition he has entered in 2014.

"Regan has already been teaching the boys some of the Level 4 exercises in preparation for next year, when the Level 4 gymnasts are eligible to qualify for the national championships."

This was the final competition of the year for Wanganui's junior boys.

Taylor-Ward said they will be back in the gym this week to start training more difficult skills, having been inspired by watching the Commonwealth Games gymnastics on television.