‘Sweeping Victory’ for Cambridge Gymnasts

On February 25th, the Cambridge University Olympic Gymnastics Club took part in the annual Varsity competition against Oxford, and took home a sweeping victory.

Report by Matthew Mahmoudi (2016)

All teams - Women’s and Men’s A and B teams - came out on top, following intense competition in floor routines, high bar, beam, rings, parallel bars, rings, vault, and pommel horse. This year also marked the first time CUOGC had a B team on the men’s side, a fact that made the results all the more of an occasion for celebration. Having only started gymnastics in Michaelmas following 4 years in rowing, my experience was a vastly different one than expected; gymnastics not only challenges you to face your fears, but enables you to use your body in a different way altogether.

Being a part of a club consisting of several national and world class athletes creates a really encouraging environment, where best practices are shared, and individuals - beginners as well as more experienced athletes - are pushed to explore new abilities. Having the opportunity to represent the University on the Men’s B team alongside teammates who only started practicing the sport recently, but who have yet shown incredible grit and talent over the past few months, has been inspirational. I look forward to developing further as we take Varsity to new heights next year. Pembroke was represented by Eleanor Clifford (2015) (Women’s A team) and Matt Mahmoudi (Men’s B team) this year.

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Photos courtesy of Matthew Mahmoudi