EIGHT-YEAR-OLD gymnast Shamiso Ndoro is jumping for joy after emerging victorious at her first ever national competition.

Shamiso, who lives in Thorpe Bay, took on 52 of the country’s top gymnasts in the eight to nine year category.

And her fine performances saw her finish first by more than one mark in the all around competition in Stoke, much to the delight of her coaches David Wood and Rochelle Douglas.

“Shami showed grit and determination to win the title,” said Wood, who is also a national coach.

“Her winning score of 63.650 was even more impressive due to the fact that she had to count a fall on the balance beam. Shamiso showed her strength competing over five pieces of apparatus, getting the top score of the entire competition on the vault, bars and range and conditioning.”

Shamiso, who is also a top tennis player, currently trains at the Europa Centre in Kent and makes the 30 mile journey five times a week to train.

“Shami makes the 30 mile journey to train five times a week,” said Wood.

“She is the youngest member in the elite group and trains alongside current members of the Great Britain Gymnastics Squad. But Shami is no stranger to elite competition or training as she also dedicates eight hours a week playing tennis at national level.”

Shami will now get straight back to training to prepare for the National Voluntary Championships in November, where a top six finish would secure a place in the 2018 British Development Squad. And Wood was also keen to thank Shami’s school, Bournes Green, for their backing.

“We want to thank them hugely for all the support they give Shami in order to reach her maximum potential both academically and through the sporting ventures,” he added.