Coaches Gemma Marnes and Elysha Burt with Aaliyah Kalume and Afrinya Decardi-Nelson

TWO of the borough’s star gymnasts have secured medals after competing against some of the country’s biggest junior talents at the English Championships.

Afrinya Decardi-Nelson and Aaliyah Kalume, both 13, were the pride of Camden Gymnastics Club after fine displays at the prestigious event in Telford. Afrinya retained her vault title after taking joint first place, going on to win bronze on floor before finishing fifth overall of 61 gymnasts.

Aaliyah came joint-sixth overall, winning silver on bars and receiving the artistry trophy for her outstanding floor routine. Two of the Talacre-based club’s 15-year-old gymnasts also held their own in a tough senior field, with Erin Cooper coming 25th of 71 competitors, while Moyi Parchment was 12th overall on floor.

Anne-Marie McKenna, of Camden’s Gymnastics and Trampoline Development Service, praised the efforts of all four.

“These were some of the best results we’ve ever had,” she said. “They were competing against some of the top girls in the country and we are super proud of all the gymnasts and their coaches.”

The Camden Gymnastics Programme is run by Camden Council’s Sport & Physical Activity Team.