Young Ipswich gymnasts shone at a recent prestigious national competition.

Three youngsters from Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club demonstrated their emerging talents at the British Excel and Performance Grades Championships in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12.

The championships are the highest calibre gymnastics competition in the country, aimed at helping gifted young gymnasts who aim to compete at an elite level.

Sophia Daniel, aged 9, was the standout, offering an exceptional performance and solidifying her place as one to watch for the future.

Ipswich Star: Sophia Daniel - 2nd place British Excel Grade 2 Championships Sophia Daniel - 2nd place British Excel Grade 2 Championships (Image: Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club)

Sophia ranked in the top ten on all apparatus, wowing judges and coaches alike, bagging second place in the entire competition which earned her a silver medal.

Fellow Pipers Vale gymnast Emma Goodhand, also aged 9, shined, particularly on her floor routine, placing 12th nationally.

The scores from Sophia and Emma assisted the East Region Team in securing an impressive 7th-place finish.

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Erin Guthrie, who secured second place qualification, unfortunately had to withdraw from the event.

Rebecca Hambling, a coach at Pipers Vale, was thrilled with the girls' performance.

She said: "'I was really proud of the girls, they worked so hard in the lead-up to this competition.

"Qualifying for this event was a massive achievement in itself but to perform so well in their first national event was just fantastic."

Ipswich Star: Imogen Bissett Performance Grade 3 Imogen Bissett Performance Grade 3 (Image: Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club)

Representing the East region in the Performance Grade 3 competition, 12-year-old Imogen Bissett also made a strong first appearance at the national finals.

Her excellent competition performance helped her team land in 5th place nationwide.

Her coaches Laura Curtis and Rachel Cooke remarked on Imogen’s composure during the event.

Laura said: "Immy had a brilliant competition and performed some beautiful routines. I’m very proud of her."