A Rising Star: Gabby Jupp (GBR)

A few weeks ago, a young Gabby (Gabrielle) Jupp from Great Britain impressed many at the American Cup, her first international competition as a senior gymnast. She held her own against gymnasts much older and much more experienced gymnasts than herself and produced four solid routines to finish 6th in the all-around. Her routines may not be among the most difficult out there, but she has clean execution and a great presence on the competition floor.

Jupp competes on floor at the 2013 American Cup held in March this year (photo credit: Melissa J Perenson)

The beam and floor routines that she performed at the American Cup were especially impressive. Most rookie gymnasts succumb to the pressure of huge international meets like this, which is completely understandable. However, young Gabby has already displayed that she has the discipline to calm her nerves in these situations and this experience will help her greatly in years to come.

A confident beam set from Gabby at the 2013 American Cup

Last weekend, Gabby took the all-around title at the British Gymnastics Championships in one of the deeper fields that we have seen over the years from British Gymnastics. She won the title over Charlie Fellows (another 1st year senior), Niamh Rippin and London Olympian Hannah Whelan. I especially love her expressive floor routine, she has some great tumbling too. In the apparatus finals, Gabby took first place on both floor and beam.

Gabby on floor in the finals at the 2013 British Championships (1st place)

Gabby Jupp and Ruby Harrold were selected to represent Britain at the Doha World Cup this weekend. Both girl have done extremely well by coming 2nd (Harold) and 3rd (Jupp) in the uneven bars final. This is a fantastic achievement for the two girls! Gabby will also compete in the beam and floor finals- best of luck to her!

Jupp, Fellows, Harrold and Downie have been selected to represent GB at the European Championships held in Moscow in April this year. Downie and Harold will certainly be contenders in the bars final! Jupp and Harrold are expected to have strong performances in the all-around.

British gymnastics is in an exciting place now. There are many talented juniors moving up the ranks along with many new an veteran seniors. Some of the younger girls include Tunney, Jupp, Harrold, Fellows, Raer Theaker, Angel Romaeo and Georgia Hockenhull. Older seniors are Hannah Whelan, Becky Downie and Niamh Rippin. I can;t wait to see how this team develop over the next quadrennium. 

From left to right: Charlie Fellows, Gabby Jupp and Niamp Rippin (photo credit: British Gymnastics)

Article by Imogen Browne (Follow me on Twitter @Iflip4GymBlog)