A 14-year-old girl has made history by becoming the first female Cornish gymnast to win a medal at the British Gymnastics Championships.

Mabel Florey, from Newquay, competed against top junior gymnasts from across the country at the championships held in Liverpool last week.

Her dedication and talent to the sport earned Mabel a well-deserved spot on the podium in the beam final, which was held and televised on Sunday, March 18.

Falmouth Packet: Mabel (L) with fellow gymnast Macie, 13 who also competed at the event Mabel (L) with fellow gymnast Macie, 13 who also competed at the event (Image: Jenna Sobey | Penryn Gymnastics)

Mabel – who has been practising gymnastics since the age of three – trains at the Penryn Gymnastic Centre.

Throughout her time in the sport, she has shown exceptional skill and determination to get where she is today. Her hard work and commitment to training have paid off, culminating in this historic achievement at the national level.

Taking many bumps in her journey into account, including her former club closing due to an extensive fire, Covid forcing the closure of gyms and a serious concussion which set her back to name a few, Mabel said it is ‘unreal’ to return to Cornwall with a medal.

“It feels amazing and beyond my wildest dreams,” explained Mabel.

“I have wanted to go to the British for as long as I can remember, so to be able to go and come back with an actual medal is unreal.”

Falmouth Packet: Jill Punter, owner of Penryn Gymnastics said the team were 'incredibly proud' of the girls Jill Punter, owner of Penryn Gymnastics said the team were 'incredibly proud' of the girls (Image: Jenna Sobey | Penryn Gymnastics)

Jill Punter, owner of Penryn Gymnastics Centre, said: “We are incredibly proud of Mabel and her outstanding performance at the British Gymnastics Championships.

“She has truly made history as the first Cornish gymnast to win a medal at this prestigious event. It’s an incredible achievement personally for Mabel, of course for the club, but also for the county.

“We are really excited to see where her talent and passion for the sport will take her in the future.”

Mabel’s success serves as an inspiration to young gymnasts and beyond, showing that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.

Mabel was joined by Macie Worthington, 13 who qualified in her first year as a junior gymnast.

Both girls became the first Cornish females in history to qualify for the event.