Liverpool’s young gymnastics stars aiming for glory at British Championships at M&S Bank Arena

The next generation of stars from the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club are hoping for success at next month’s Artistic British Championships. The competition will see talented gymnasts from across the nation competing to become British champion.

The City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club is no stranger to producing world-class talent, with the likes of triple-World champion and six-time European champion Beth Tweddle hailing from the Toxteth club.

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of her idol is Liverpool gymnast, Olivia Williams. On performing in her home city, the Merseyside local said: “I’m so excited to compete in Liverpool. All of my family are coming to watch so knowing you’ve got the support of the crowd is amazing. Following in her footsteps is no mean feat but Beth [Tweddle] has really inspired me and I hope to be as successful as her one day.”

The Liverpool hopefuls will share the Arena with a host of top talent, as the likes of five-time Olympic medallist Max Whitlock, former European champion Ellie Downie and four-time Commonwealth champion Claudia Fragapane descend on the city next month.

Looking to impress her fellow gymnasts is 11-year-old Zoe Prescott. The youngster, who started gymnastics at 4-years-old, will be competing at her first British Championships. She said: “I hope to perform some good, clean and confident routines and do the best I can. I love getting to try new skills and can’t wait to show the crowd my routines”

Preparations for the Artistic British Championships are well underway and another City of Liverpool gymnast, Ellen Armstrong, is pulling out all the stops. Discussing her training schedule, the 13-year-old said: “There’s lots of conditioning and stretching – it’s tough but lots of fun. I absolutely love gymnastics and want to be the best I can.”

With the next Olympics only a year away, both British heroes and bright up-and-coming stars will be looking to make their mark in gymnastics history, in front of an electric home crowd.

Tickets are now on sale to watch the nation’s best competing live.