Gymnasts to represent GB at international event

Two gymnasts from Somerset who compete together in acrobatics are to represent Great Britain at an international event.

Archie Pickles, 18, and Samuel Austin, 15, will be joined at the Acrobatic Grand Prix in Poland in November by their coach Carmen Benham.

The pair train at the Splitz Gymnastics Club in Weston-super-Mare and have been competing together for three years.

Last year they became British Champions in the Men's Pair (12-18) for the second year in a row.

Speaking to BBC Somerset, Mr Pickles said: "It feels like a dream because I've been doing this for ages and this has always been the main goal.

"Now it's finally happening and it hasn't even hit me yet.

"The aim is always to win," he added.

"Obviously it's a massive achievement and I agree, it doesn't feel real yet," said Sam.

"It's always been a dream to represent Great Britain."

Both gymnasts started at Splitz aged seven and competed at different levels in different partnerships before coming together to form a men's pair.

Acrobatic gymnastics involves pairs or groups of gymnasts performing routines to music whilst balancing together, throwing or catching each other and tumbling.

Since their first competition together in February 2022 in which they placed first, the pair have gone on to win other major titles in Great Britain, including the National Finals and British Championships.

They have set up a GoFundMe page and have already reached their target of £3,000 towards the high costs of competing.

"People don't realise how expensive it is, like the travel, even just going to the competition, the fees, and the tracksuits which are lovely, but expensive," said Mr Pickles.

"It has all happened really fast," said coach Carmen Benham.

"We never really get time to calm down; it's just build, build, build and you hit that point where you're at the peak, the competition happens, then you come down for a bit, but you've got to go back up for the next one.

"They've got a really good rapport together and I think that's how they've achieved this.

"It's been an amazing, amazing journey, and it will continue to be an amazing journey," added Ms Benham.

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