GYMNASTICS: Amie Cooper secured a superb top-ten placing when she represented Carterton at the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs World Championship (USAIGC) in Orlando, Florida.

As a first-time international competitor, Cooper was over the moon to be placed joint third in the age 13 junior floor routine with a score of 9.45 out of 10 and go on to achieve overall eighth position in the final.

Debra Courtenay-Crane, head coach at Carterton who accompanied Amie on the trip, said: “We are extremely proud of what Amie has achieved.

“She put in a solid performance on bars, vault and beam, but excelled with her floor routine, whilst coping with the pressure of a world championship.”

Cooper said: “I didn’t expect to make it through to a final round as the competition was so high, but Debra kept me focused.

“The whole competition was a fantastic experience and it was amazing to meet gymnasts from the US, Bermuda, Canada and South Africa and learn about their approach to the sport.”