Academy team’s gymnastic joy

The eight strong team returned victorious from the North Lanarkshire Championships in Wishaw with an impressive haul of 10 gold medals.

The group have now won the right to represent the local authority area at the Scottish Championships, to be held in Perth in March.

Head teacher Gillian Caldwell said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the pupils performed so well.

“We’re very proud of what they have achieved and they will now be representing North Lanarkshire at the Scottish Championships.”

The level one team, consisting of Emily Hossack, Rachel Craik, Austen Fleming and Emily Muir, were victorious in their section - winning by three clear points.

The Level two team, of Lana Dolan, Holly McArthur, Joanne Lawrie and Miriam Hogg, also triumphed in their category.

As if that wasn’t enough, the individual champions were both also from the Balmalloch Road school.

Emily Hossack’s solo performance was deemed the best at level one while Lana Dolan took the level two title.

Jim Logue, convener of Learning and Leisure Services, said: “The success of the International Children’s Games earlier this year showed that we have talented, aspiring athletes in North Lanarkshire.

“Although not an event which was included in the schedule for the games, gymnastics in none the less important and the recent North Lanarkshire Championships is proof of that.

“The youngsters who took part are a credit to themselves and their schools, and should be proud of what they have achieved.

“A special congratulations to the Kilsyth Academy squad on their success at the competition.”