Canty gymnasts clean up

Canterbury has had an astonishing clean-up at the national artistic gymnastics championships in Papakura.

Both the men's and women's teams were awarded the trophies for best performing regions without being seriously challenged.

Canterbury won seven of a possible eight team golds in the divisions the red-and-blacks contested, as well as producing the overall individual champion in 10 of a possible 12 events.

The honours board of overall individual champions included Kathryn Lewis (women's level 10), Karla Singh (level 9), Holly Moon (level 8), Maddison Lafutianai (level 6), Justine Shawcross (level 5), Aaron Clutterbluck (level 7) and Jorden O'Connell-Inns (level 5) and Logan McKenzie (level 4), all from the Christchurch School of Gymnastics (CSG).

Olympia Gymnastics Sports' overall gold medal winners were Charlotte Sullivan (women's level 4) and Matthew Palmer (men's level 9).

Lafutianai also won the trophy for highest score achieved by a junior women's gymnast.

Canterbury Gymnastics Association spokeswoman and Olympia board member Roslyn Kerr said the outstanding returns were the result of the combined efforts of the Olympia and CSG clubs, which both had highly qualified artistic coaches.

"Throughout 2007 the clubs have been fierce rivals, pushing each other to higher and higher standards, causing Canterbury to become the strongest region in the country," Kerr said.

The rhythmic and trampolining nationals begin at the Gymsport and Recreation Centre venue today.

- © Fairfax NZ News