As competitions get bigger so do the days and the lead up to the event itself. With the Olympics impacting this year’s schedule the event was being held only 9 months since the last Inter-Regional and a wide range of logistical venue challenges over the last few weeks, Twizzlers had done the very best to ensure those competing this weekend had access to as many sessions to give them the best opportunity to do well for not only Team London but for Twizzlers.
This year’s final was yet again being held at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham with an orientation session available on the evening before, which allows all competitors to go through the routine of what will happen on the day from the warmup through to the competition floor also allowing for gymnasts to get a feel for the equipment.
With London having an early afternoon session this also means that most must take time off school to travel from the south to the Midlands… Several lessons learned from previous years is to travel up earlier in the day…. relax for a couple of hours before the formal build up to the weekend.
The Twizzlers co-ort all travelled up before lunch time meeting up at Sixes to have a game of cricket. Even the draw of a large “retail” shop couldn’t draw away some of the keener shoppers and with everyone taking part the evidence of the family environment that Twizzlers squad members show and along with the travelling parents was a great start to the day.
With the games finished and some possible “cheating” the results appeared to warrant another visit under some more guidance of those in a responsible position… On saying that the name of the game was to have some fun and that was certainly had by all. Once that was all finished it was time for those with hotels to check in… cars moved, and gymnasts making the short walk along the canal to the arena.
Twizzlers are lucky to have so many of the squad with experience and with only one new face to the Finals Stage the squad ensured that everyone was looked after and supported. Split into 3 separate sessions it was good to see everyone staying and supporting even though it was just a warmup.
Even for the more experienced these sessions are also great to go through the process of arriving, changing, floor warm up, warm up and competition floor identifying any changes from the last year. Some take it seriously others use it to brush off any cobwebs and some use as valuable experience to get used to the stage they face the following day.
As the group finished for the evening it was time for food and retiring back to accommodation ready for what would be 2 very long days and what all of Twizzlers have been working towards all year………