Orianne Slater (2017 British Disability Junior Overall Champion, City of Aberdeen Gymnastics) claimed two medals in her first senior level competition despite being injured.
At the beginning of February, Orianne suffered a serious sprain to her ankle. She was unable to train for four weeks and unfortunately had to withdraw from the Scottish Masters which took place during the 2018 Scottish National Artistic Championships in Perth on February 25th.
Eventually, on March 2nd, Orianne went back to training. Although she had been selected to compete on all four apparatus, she and Lorna Presly (head coach at City of Aberdeen Gymnastics) decided to concentrate on Balance Beam and Uneven Bars for the British Masters. Her routines were adapted and, as a result, the difficulty rating was decreased.
The British Masters, part of the 2018 Gymnastics British Championships on 11th March in Liverpool, was Orianne’s first event at Senior level. She performed well (even adding an element that she hadn’t practiced for weeks to her Bar routine!) and won Gold on Bars (her 3rd British Uneven Bar Champion title in a row) and Bronze on Beam.
Lorna Presly (coach) said: “Fantastic result from Orianne Slater who was selected to take part at the British disability masters this weekend at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. After a disappointing start to the year for Orianne, having to withdraw from the Scottish disabilities masters last month, due to an ankle injury, and to now come home with gold on bars and bronze on beam. What a great result! Now to work hard over the next few months, to gain new skills for the Scottish and British championships later on in the year.”
As well as City of Aberdeen Gymnastics club, Orianne’s parents especially wish to thank her coach, Lorna Presly, for her dedication and the Active Aberdeen Partnership for its renewed financial support!
If you, or anyone you know, lives in Grampian with a physical, sensory or learning disability and is keen to get involved in Para Sport, please contact Alison Shaw on alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or on 07828 744 848