Mabel Florey Makes History as First Cornish Female Gymnast to Win Medal at British Gymnastics Championships

Mabel Florey, a 14-year-old gymnast from Newquay, has made history by becoming the first female Cornish athlete to win a medal at the prestigious British Gymnastics Championships.

Competing against the top junior gymnasts from across the country, Mabel's incredible talent and dedication to the sport have earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium in the beam final, held and televised on Sunday March 18.

Mabel, who has been practicing gymnastics since the age of 3, trains at Penryn Gymnastics Club. Throughout her time in the sport she has shown exceptional skill and determination to get to where she is today. Her hard work and commitment to training have paid off, culminating in this historic achievement at the national level.

Taking many bumps in her journey in to account, like her former club closing due to an extensive fire, covid closing the gyms and a serious concussion which set her back to name just a few, Mabel said: “ It feels amazing and beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve wanted to go to the British for as long as I can remember so to be able to go and come back with an actual medal is unreal.”

"We are incredibly proud of Mabel and her outstanding performance at the British Gymnastics Championships," said Jill Punter, owner of Penryn Gymnastics Club. "She has truly made history as the first [female] Cornish gymnast to win a medal at this prestigious event. It’s an incredible achievement personally for Mabel, of course for the club but also for the county. We are really excited to see where her talent and passion for the sport will take her in the future."

Mabel's success serves as an inspiration to young gymnasts in Cornwall and beyond, showing that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. She was joined at the championships by team mate Macie Worthington, 13, who qualified in her first year as a junior gymnast. Both become the first Cornish females in history to qualify for the event.

Their achievements highlight the talent and potential of athletes in the region and puts Cornish gymnastics on the map in the national spotlight.

As Mabel and Macie continue to train and compete at a high level, they are sure to serve as a role model for aspiring gymnasts and bring even more recognition to the sport in Cornwall.