Para Gymnastics | Scots stun at first ever Para Gymnastics event in Norway
Four Scottish women’s artistic gymnasts with physical disabilities represented Scotland at the first ever Para Gymnastics international competition in Oslo, Norway on Saturday 2 November.
Last month at the 85th Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Congress in Doha, Para Gymnastics was announced as an official discipline of the FIG. The aim of this momentous advancement is to see gymnastics included in the programme of sports at the 2032 Paralympics in Brisbane, Australia.
A Para Gymnastics working group was established in 2022 led by Nellie Kim, former FIG Vice-President and 1976 Olympic medalist, to develop and bring this pathway into reality. Kim commented on announcing the news at congress saying:
“I was really happy and proud. Inclusion is a big thing, and we’re in an era and time in our society when people understand this. When someone wants something, they can do it. Even if there are some limitation or obstacles in that.”
City of Glasgow gymnasts Iona Timmons, Zara Coote, Sophie Ireland and Monica Fisher (pictured left to right below) were invited by the working group, due to their disability classification groups, to make their international debuts at the International Friendship Competition. The Para Gymnastics code was used in competition for the first time as a trial running side by side with, already established, Special Olympics (for those with learning disabilities) levels.
The gymnasts stunned alongside Norwegian senior gymnast Ingrid Haaland-Aas as they showed what those with an upper limb difference or visual impairment can achieve and work towards in the sport. Anne, Monica’s mum flew out with family to cheer her daughter and the team on, proudly sharing:
“It was a privilege to be invited along, and we had a fantastic time. Monica enjoyed performing in a different country and seeing other gymnasts from all over the world. Gymnastics has benefited Monica in and out of the gym; she loves learning new skills, being challenged and it has definitely increased her confidence also.”
Dr Angela Turner, head of the Scottish delegation expressed:
“This was a great opportunity for our Scottish Para Gymnasts to demonstrate what can be done at an international level. There is a lot of work to be carried out to develop this pathway both here and throughout the world, but we are delighted to be a part of this extraordinary journey.”
Coach and team physio Nicola Turner also backed these comments on the experience stating:
“There is still work to be done around Para classifications, but this was an inspiring first step. It was amazing to showcase the incredible talents of these gymnasts on the international stage for the first time, and a really good opportunity to see how a range of disabilities would access this type of competition and code.”
Congratulations to the Monica, Sophie, Zara, Iona and their personal coaches on their contributions to bring gymnastics into the Paralympics.
Learn more about disability gymnastics here in Scotland through the buttons below.