Richmond Gymnastic Association tumbler Heather Cowell labelled her first senior medal as a dream come true.
The Richmond College A-level student helped Britain’s senior women tumblers claim the European Championship team title in Portugal on Sunday.
The 18-year-old contributed 31.000 to four-man team total of 98.900 that claimed gold ahead of silver medallists Russia and third-placed Ukraine.
Cowell, an age group tumbling world champion in November last year, said: “I am so pleased to have been a part of such a great team.
“We are all really good friends and to leave my first senior international with a gold medal is a dream come true.”
RGA and Great Britain coach Kath Small added: “Heather has been a specialist gymnastics tumbler since she was eight years old and has achieved many successes in her career so far.
“This win is a reward for the years of hard work and commitment. This title is well deserved, and we are so proud of her.
“She’s an inspiration.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here