Adult gymnasts from Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre have achieved outstanding success at this year’s British Adult Veteran Championships, bringing home 27 national medals, including seven gold.
Held from 12-14 June at the prestigious Lilleshall National Sports Centre, the annual championships celebrate adult participation in gymnastics and bring together competitors from across the UK to showcase their skills across a range of disciplines.
Representing Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, an 18-strong team competed across artistic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, tumbling and trampolining. Despite being a smaller squad than in previous years, the team delivered an exceptional performance, demonstrating the strength of the centre’s thriving adult gymnastics programme.
Among the standout results was Lizzie Slater’s national title win in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Over 50 Pro category, highlighting the opportunities available for adults to continue competing and excelling in the sport at all stages of life.
The squad enjoyed significant success in Acrobatic Gymnastics, with Matt Whitfield and Dan Iley claiming overall gold in the Men’s Pair competition. Kat Duffy, Amy Sanchez and Lizzie Slater also secured a national title, taking gold in the Women’s Trio category and adding to Portsmouth’s medal tally in the team event.
In Tumbling, Matt Whitfield claimed overall gold in the Over 18 Intermediate category, while Jodie Duncan and Kat Duffy earned silver medals in their respective categories. The athletes later joined teammates to secure bronze in the team competition.
The centre was also represented in Trampolining, where competitors produced strong performances against high-quality national opposition.
The results reflect the commitment of Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre’s adult gymnasts and coaches, as well as the growing popularity of adult gymnastics programmes delivered by BH Live.
BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise operating Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre on behalf of Portsmouth City Council.
On behalf of BH Live, Zoe Beauvoisin, Adult Gymnastics Coach at Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, said:
“We are so proud of everything the Adult Squad achieved. They’ve worked incredibly hard, demonstrating fantastic determination, commitment and team spirit throughout the competition.
“Their success highlights that gymnastics really is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or experience. These results are a great example of what can be achieved through dedication, and we hope they’ll inspire others to either return to gymnastics or try it for the first time.”
BH Live offers a range of gymnastics sessions at Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, designed to support people of all ages and abilities, from those taking their first steps into the sport to experienced competitors looking to continue their gymnastics journey.
BH Live is committed to creating more opportunities for people across the city to improve their health and wellbeing, develop new skills, and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of staying regularly active.
To book a session, and for more information, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/gymnastics-centre.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre
Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Located in Hilsea, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre and next to Mountbatten, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is one of the leading gymnastics facilities in the country.
This purpose-built, state‑of‑the‑art gymnastics training facility is designed to support children, young people, and adults at every stage of their gymnastics journey. The centre offers a fantastic artistic and acrobatic gymnastics club programme, giving participants the opportunity to develop skills right through to competition level in a supportive and inspiring environment.
The centre is home to a wide range of sessions, including pre‑school, recreational, teen, and SEN gymnastics, as well as dedicated artistic and acrobatic pathways delivered by an expert coaching team. Whether taking first steps into the sport or progressing through advanced routines, gymnasts benefit from high‑quality equipment, foam pits, sprung flooring, and specialist training zones designed for safe skill development.
Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre also hosts exciting events such as school holiday activities, gymnastics camps, and other opportunities to celebrate achievements and milestones throughout the year, making it a vibrant community hub for gymnastics enthusiasts across the region.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/gymnastics-centre
Get social with us:
Facebook – @PortsmouthGymnasticsCentre
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Address; Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, Alex Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9AD, HAMPSHIRE