National squaddies: Sophie Empson and Sophia Waller

Published: 4 December, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

TOP gymnast Shaquiell Grant earnt the right to train with the GB squad at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre after starring in the finals of the men’s artistic gymnastics development grades. 

The talented 10-year-old, who lives in Holloway, showed off his skills on the rings, the pommel horse, the parallel bars, the high bar, the vault and the floor to earn a creditable 10th place finish overall. 

Star turn: Shaquiell Grant is GB bound

In doing so Arsenal fan Shaquiell, who goes to Grafton Primary School, earnt valuable points to help the London squad that he was representing land in top spot in the team rankings. “I wasn’t expecting to win a gold medal but I did and I feel great,” a delighted Shaquiell said afterwards. 

He was one of four boys from Camden Gymnastics Club who represented London, with Luke Apata, Leikaydon Fisher and Owen Sims also all putting in solid showings. 

The boys’ combined success is a tremendous boon for their club, which is based at the Talacre Community Sports Centre in Kentish Town, and continues a run of impressive outings. 

The girls’ top squad from Camden hit the heights when they took part in a twin piece competition at Heathrow Gym Club, where delighted duo Sophie Empson, 11, and Sophia Waller, 12, were also selected to represent the national squad.Birmingham