For the fifth consecutive year, City of Newport Gymnastic Academy proudly hosted the prestigious GYMSTARS competition last weekend — marking the event’s 20th anniversary and Newport’s ninth year of participation. Having previously travelled to Falcons Gymnastics in Devon, Newport has been the official host since 2022, continuing a tradition of excellence and community spirit.

This year’s competition welcomed talented gymnasts from across the South West Region of England, stretching from Bristol to Penzance. Despite the summer heat, with air conditioning and ceiling fans working overtime, all six rounds ran seamlessly, showcasing remarkable performances and sportsmanship throughout the weekend.

A total of 18 gymnasts represented Newport with pride. Photos of their achievements and positions are shown below.

• Primrose Richards, the youngest competitor, opened the event with a superb all‑around performance on all four apparatus. Sadly, Rebeca Mucenic who was also due to compete in the same round with Primrose was injured in training two weeks prior to the competition and had to withdraw
• Round Two featured dazzling routines from Isla Bastow, Harriet Stanbridge, Alice Ayles, Arden Williams, Lettie Daw‑Evans, Georgina Salijeni, and Millie Rolfe, each delivering artistry and precision.
• Saturday’s final round saw Melanie Dirwai, Everly Hardaker, Skye Hooper, Brooke Arnold, Evie Thorpe, Isla Phillips, and Lydia Porter impress the judges with exceptional skill and composure.
• On Sunday, Avalyn Halford and Keeley Williams competed in the Copper category, both earning outstanding results that spoke for themselves.

For Melanie, Everly, Alice, and Harriet, this was their first GYMSTARS appearance — and they rose to the occasion beautifully. Every gymnast demonstrated dedication, grace, and teamwork, making the Academy immensely proud.

Across all apparatus, floor and beam routines stood out for their artistry and effort, earning well‑deserved recognition from the judges.

✨ Congratulations to all our gymnasts for making this milestone event such a success. It was a weekend of talent, perseverance, and joy — a truly memorable celebration of gymnastics.

We’re thrilled to announce that City of Newport Gymnastic Academy has been invited to host GYMSTARS again next summer!

RESULTS AND PHOTOS OF OUR VERY PROUD CNGA GYMNASTS AT GYMSTARS 2026

PRIMROSE – Vault 5th, Bars 5th, Beam 1st, Floor 1st – overall 3rd place

HARRIET – Vault 4th, Beam 6th

ISLA BASTOW – Vault 2nd, Bars 6th, Beam 5th, Floor 2nd – overall 3rd place

ALICE – Vault 6th

ARDEN – Beam 2nd

LETTIE – Vault 2nd, Bars 5th, Beam 3rd, Floor 4th – overall 2nd place

ROKSANA – Floor 5th

GEORGINA – Bars 5th, Beam 2nd, Floor 5th – overall 5th place

MILLIE – Vault 3rd, Bars 4th, Beam 5th, Floor 3rd – overall 3rd place

MELANIE – Beam 6th, Floor 5th

EVERLY – Bars 6th, Beam 3rd,

SKYE – Beam 5th, Floor 5th

BROOKE – Vault 6th, Bars 5th, Beam 5th

EVIE – Vault 1st, Bars 2nd, Beam 1st, Floor 1st – overall 1st place

ISLA PHILLIPS – Bars 5th, Beam 1st, Floor 1st – overall 2nd place

LYDIA – Vault 3rd, Beam 6th, Floor 4th

AVALYN – Vault 1st, Beam 1st, Floor 4th -overall 5th place

KEELEY – Vault 1st, Bars 1st, Beam 4th, Floor 2nd – overall joint 1st place