Published: 29 March, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

THERE was a golden glow emanating from Talacre Community Sports Centre in Kentish Town as talented gymnast Luke Apata showed off his latest medal haul.

The triumphant 11-year-old, who trains at Camden Gym Club, collected no fewer than five individual gold medals as he won his level four category at the Tony Johnson’s Regional Gymnastics Competition.

Luke dominated his age group as he finished top of the podium after winning the pommel horse, the vault, the rings, the parallel bars and the high bar.

Beaming with pride, the Rosary Schoolboy said, “I’m amazed I won so many medals, especially as I wasn’t feeling very well.
“In the end I won for Camden, so I’m really pleased.”

Luke was part of a six-strong boys’ squad from Camden Gym Club who took part in the competition, which was held at East London Gymnastics Club.

Raekwon Baptiste, nine, finished first on the floor and the pommel horse on his way to winning his level two category.

In the same age group Oscar Statman, nine, finished fourth overall after winning individual golds on the vault and the high bar.

In the level five competition Issa Francois, 12, collected a gold medal for his floor routine, helping him take first place overall.

In the level one all-around category Ben Vlasto, eight, finished third overall, while Drew Cahane, 10, took second place overall in the level two out-of-age-group event.  

Senior Camden coach Alex Pakrah was delighted with his team’s mighty medal haul; “I’m proud of the boys. Once again they all shone in their respective competitions.”

THE boys aren’t the only ones flying the flag for Camden Gymnastics Club.

Lauren Page captured a bronze medal at a regional grading competition at Heathrow Gym Club after displaying her skills on the floor, bars, beam and vault. The 12-year-old, who lives in Upper Holloway, also showed great strength and flexibility to earn a place on the podium.