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Tunbridge Wells: Olympian Louis Smith opens extension at Next Dimension Gymnastics Academy

A new extension to a gymnastics academy in Tunbridge Wells has been officially opened by the Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medalist, Louis Smith MBE.

The 80m x 80m extension at the Next Dimension Gymnastics Academy features the pommel horse that Louis competed on as he won a silver medal at the World Championships in Glasgow this year.

The extra room has allowed for the main gym to be reorganised allowing the sprung floor from the same event to be fitted.

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Louis Smith cuts the ribbon to open the new extension at the NDGA with the help of Hector Kinghorn (left) and Sam Large and watched by Amy Battell
Louis Smith cuts the ribbon to open the new extension at the NDGA with the help of Hector Kinghorn (left) and Sam Large and watched by Amy Battell

On Thursday Louis met and had words of advice for many of the NDGA's young gymnasts, including Sam Large and Hector Kinghorn, who won gold at the European Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics in Germany earlier this year.

They now have their sights set on their own World Championships in China next year.

The duo joined Louis in cutting the tape to officially open the extension.

Louis Smith visited the Next Dimension Gymnastics Academy in Tunbridge Wells.

"The extension, which took just over six months to complete, has allowed us to install beams and more bars and a Upit which means we can now offer the men's six piece discipline," said Chantelle Harman, NDGA operations manager.

She added: "It was an incredible opportunity to be able to buy the floor and pommel horse from the World Championships. The pommel horse arrived still covered in chalk dust and Louis signed it for prosterity."

The NDGA has more than 800 members, ranging in age from two to 50, and the addition of the second floor means they will all now have more time available to train on floor disciplines.

Louis Smith signs the pommel horse on which he won silver at the European Championships in Glasgow watched by Chantelle Harman, NDGA Operations Manager
Louis Smith signs the pommel horse on which he won silver at the European Championships in Glasgow watched by Chantelle Harman, NDGA Operations Manager

Speaking at the opening, Louis told the young gymnasts to reach the top they would have to overcome many hurdles including injuries, illness and making mistakes in important competitions, just as he had.

He told them they should always believe in themselves and listen to the advice of their coaches, and their parents.

For more details about NDGA click here.

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