A Harrogate gymnast is preparing to attend a GB Development Squad camp next week, after progressing from preschool classes at Harrogate Gymnastics to competing at national level.
Andi-Mae Bendelow, aged 13, has been selected for the GB Development Squad in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics following an outstanding competition season and will attend a five-day camp next week, from 24 to 28 August.
Her selection is a significant achievement, with the British Gymnastics pathway designed to support some of the country’s most talented young gymnasts as they develop in the sport.
Andi-Mae, who lives in Harrogate, has trained at Harrogate Gymnastics since preschool, progressing from her very first classes through the club’s pathway to national competition.
Her recent achievements include finishing second on beam at the English Championships in Telford in February, as well as placing seventh overall from the top 60 gymnasts in England.
This secured her a place at the British Championships at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in March, where her performance led to selection for the England Squad and a trial for the GB Development Squad.
Andi-Mae has already attended one three-day squad camp and, following her performance, was selected as a full GB Development Squad member.
Andi-Mae said:
This year has been incredible. Winning a medal at the English Championships and getting my all-around score was a complete surprise, and finding out a few weeks later that I would be competing at the British Championships in Liverpool was a dream come true.
After that, I went back to the gym and found out I had been invited to join the English squad and attend a GB Development Squad trial at Lilleshall, which felt crazy.
At the trial I tried my very hardest to impress the coaches, and when I got back a few days later Chloe and my gym friends surprised me with the news that I had been invited to be part of the GB Development Squad.
I can’t wait to go to the next GB camp as an official squad member. I love gymnastics and I feel like I’m living in a dream at the moment. A massive thank you to all my coaches at Harrogate Gymnastics for encouraging and supporting me all along.
Chloe Carey, founder of Harrogate Gymnastics, said:
We are incredibly proud of Andi-Mae. She has been part of Harrogate Gymnastics since she was very young, so to see her progress all the way from preschool classes to national competition and GB Development Squad selection is really special.
Her achievement reflects years of hard work, commitment and determination. It is also a lovely example of the pathway available here in Harrogate, from children taking their very first gymnastics classes through to those who want to progress and compete.
For us, gymnastics is about confidence, enjoyment, passion and choice. Some children come to us for fun, fitness and friendship, and others go on to compete. Andi-Mae’s story shows what can happen when a young person finds something they love and is supported to keep progressing.
Andi-Mae currently trains 20 hours a week and is coached by Chloe Carey.
Andi-Mae’s parents, Sarah King and Steve Bendelow, said:
As a family we are so incredibly proud of everything Andi-Mae has achieved so far. This year marks ten years at Harrogate Gymnastics Club and Andi-Mae still skips in as enthusiastic for the next skill as she did the day she started.
The consistent support, dedication and hard work from Andi-Mae and all her coaches have allowed her to thrive, while keeping a good balance between gym, school and downtime with family and friends. We cannot wait to see what comes next.
Harrogate Gymnastics is based at The Zone, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, and provides gymnastics opportunities for children, young people and adults across Harrogate and the surrounding area, from early years and recreational classes through to competitive squad training.
- Harrogate Gymnastics is based in Harrogate and provides gymnastics opportunities for children, young people and adults across Harrogate and the surrounding area.
- The club offers recreational classes, preschool classes, family free play, holiday activities, parties and adult gymnastics, alongside competitive pathways through Harrogate Gymnastics Club. Its competitive disciplines include Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, trampoline and DMT, TeamGym and cheer.
- Founded by Chloe Carey, Harrogate Gymnastics was created to give children and young people of different ages, abilities and confidence levels the chance to enjoy gymnastics, build confidence and develop a passion for the sport.
- The club supports those who want to take part recreationally for fun, fitness, friendship and confidence, as well as those who wish to progress into competitive gymnastics.
- Harrogate Gymnastics will mark its 20th anniversary in September 2029.
