Welsh Rhytmic Gymnasts wins gold in Hungary

Welsh rhythmic gymnast Laura Halford swept to four individual apparatus gold’s at the International Obuda Cup which took place in Hungary on September 22nd and 23^rd, 2012.

Laura is just 16 years old and it was her first senior year, but in spite of this fact she managed to win the overall senior category with a total score of 100.633 last Saturday. Sunday’s final was a lot more successful for Laura as she won gold in each of the four pieces of rhythmic apparatus.

“The competition was a great experience and I was really happy with all my performances. After winning the overall on Saturday it definitely boosted my confidence for the finals but I was still surprised when I found out I won 4 gold medals,” said Laura.

It is not the first achievement of Laura, this year she was the second at British Championships. Here in Hungary she also made great impression on judges and held out against strong competition including the Hungarian National team. Laura achieved personal best scores in each of her performances, scoring 25.692 in the hoop, 25.6 in the ball, 24.15 in the ribbon and 25.9 clubs. Perhaps, Laura’s success could be explained by the fact that she trains with British Olympic Rhythmic Gymnast Frankie Jones.

Team-mate Nikara Jenkins, from Llanelli Gymnastic Club, was 2nd in the junior overall competition and secured a place in the junior apparatus final, where she managed silver in the ribbon and a bronze in the hoop.