DAY 1
On Monday 31 October, Mrs Osborn, Mrs Crosland and 25 Surbiton High School gymnasts set off to Liverpool. After a very smooth (and travel-sick free!) journey, we arrived at our hotel very excited about what was to come.
Following a quick check-in, we dumped our cases and excitedly set off to explore the ‘Fan-Zone.’
What a fun place this was! We got to interact on the big screen, look at some fabulous leotards and also pose on the podium.
We then stretched our legs with a nice (though wet) walk along the water to the Bounce House.
This was super fun and the girls all enjoyed burning off some energy.
After returning to the hotel, we even managed to celebrate ‘Happy Halloween’ with Mrs O and Mrs C both attending the team meeting in full Halloween make-up (no photographic evidence though!) and giving us all a Halloween goodie bag.
DAY 2
After a lovely breakfast in the hotel, in which several of the competing teams were also staying, we ventured out to explore the shops at Liverpool One.
We practically shopped ‘til we dropped! With lots of purchases made, we strolled back through the Albert Docks, taking in some of Liverpool’s history and sights. We also bumped into BBC gymnastics presenter, Craig Heap, who gave us a quick lowdown on what to expect in the evening.
We then got changed into our smart tour kit and enjoyed a pre-comp dinner at Pizza Express.
With flags at the ready, it was time to enter the arena to watch the Women’s Artistic Team Final – Which team would be crowned World Champions?
It was so nice to see an ex-Surbiton High School Gym Scholar, Danusia Francis, presenting and announcing at the event and we even got to catch up with her after the event.
The atmosphere was electric!
As the lights flashed and the music blared, we welcomed the teams into the arena. After four hard-fought pieces, and one of the closest podium finishes ever, USA were victorious again, but we witnessed history being made with Team GB taking their first ever Team medal (Silver) and Canada taking their first ever World medal (Bronze).
On returning to the hotel, the whole place was buzzing and was filled with either gymnastics fans or international gymnasts. Some of our pupils even got the chance to see GB’s own Georgia-Mae Fenton and look at her medal.
What a fabulous end to an amazing day.
DAY 3
Sadly, this was our last day. However, at breakfast before we left, we got the pleasure of speaking with 2012 Olympic Champion Rower and UK Sports representative, Katherine Grainger.
We also managed to have a few photos with the happiest, most cheerful and most supportive team ever – Japan.
What a truly wonderful trip it was, with some very special memories made. All pupils were a pleasure, and we really did have an amazing time.
My favourite part of the Liverpool trip was watching the gymnastics team finals and meeting the one and only Georgia-Mae Fenton. The atmosphere in the arena was ecstatic with lights and music as well as interactive games. We all made sure that although we quite literally shopped until we dropped, we still had an immense amount of energy to cheer for the amazing Great Britain Gymnastics team with flags taller than ourselves (and I made sure to have time to note down some of my favourite routines – including the Gadirova twins outstanding floor routines). Unfortunately, we didn’t quite make it on TV, but instead had a selfie with Georgia-Mae Fenton and met the Japanese gymnasts in the lift – the closest I’ve been to a famous international gymnast.
Maeve (8N)
My favourite part of the trip was the Gymnastics World Championships. I loved the enthusiasm from each team the most! Like the Japanese who were constantly screaming and cheering for each other, smiling loads. Unfortunately, we didn’t make the screen even with our massive flag, but at least we saw Georgia-Mae Fenton in the hotel afterwards!
Fae (8P)
My favourite part of the gymnastics trip was definitely watching the World Championships team final on Tuesday. Although, I also loved the shopping. This was my favourite part because of the amazing standard of the gymnastics we watched and the support and enthusiasm of gymnasts’ teammates. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it on TV with all our GB flags, but we did meet Georgia-Mae Fenton in our hotel afterwards!
Lucy (8P)
Categories: Senior School