Gymnastics Athlete Harry Smale
Location: Jersey
Harry: “I like the high bar and the rings. Because they’re really scary and exciting. I get a buzz out of it.”
Harry is 16 years old. He has been involved in gymnastics for about 8 years. Coach John Grady says:
“At first Harry was there to enjoy himself. But in the last few years I’ve seen him realise that to be as good as he wants to be and get to the top he has to work hard and concentrate.”
And Harry does both. He has become an extremely dedicated gymnast and trains at least 8 hours a week. He says:
“I have to practise hard at balance. And floor work, because I don’t like floor work. But training is excellent, really good. I love being coached by John Grady so much.”
But, for all the hard work and commitment Harry puts into training, John Grady says he is at his best in competition where his will to win makes him pull out all the stops. In October last year Harry put in an impressive performance at the SO European Youth Games. He won a number of medals, including gold. He has also won medals at regional and national level. He performs at level 2 but is already well on the way towards level 3.
Harry says: “I love going away. We do competitions a lot. I love it so much. I like the crowds to watch me. It’s good.”
Harry has worked hard to become an all-round gymnast. He is accomplished in all apparatus and routines but he still has his favourites.
Harry says: “Hardest is the pommel. You have to keep your whole body so straight. It’s quite hard for me because normally I’ve got bendy arms. Most of all I like the high bar and rings. Because they’re really scary and it’s exciting. I get a buzz out of it.”
Despite the fear factor, John says: “Harry really goes for it. The way he attacks the bar is sometimes just as scary for his coaches!”
Harry has Downs Syndrome. He has attended mainstream school since he entered the education system. Harry has an enthusiasm for sport in general and is also involved in a lot of other sporting activities.
Harry’s family are hoteliers and he enjoys the contact with lots of different people.
TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ATHLETES OR COACHES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SOGB NATIONAL OFFICE.
TELEPHONE: 020 7696 5569 OR EMAIL TO: pr@sogb.org.uk