A Harrogate gymnast is preparing to take her sporting and academic career to the United States after being awarded a scholarship to study and compete in Alaska.
Georgina Gibson, 19, who has trained at Harrogate Gymnastics for the past decade, has secured a multi-year athletic scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage.
She will study Kinesiology, the science of human movement, exercise and physical performance, while continuing to compete in Women's Artistic Gymnastics.
Georgina, from Thorner near Leeds, leaves for the USA on 16th August to begin the next chapter of her journey.
The scholarship recognises years of dedication to the sport and will allow her to continue competing at university level.
Georgina said:
"I feel so honoured to receive a full scholarship to compete in the sport I have loved since I was five.
"Some people might feel nervous about moving to the other side of the world, especially somewhere as cold as Alaska, but there is no place I would rather choose.
"It feels like the perfect fit, not only because of the scenery, but because of the culture of the gymnastics team and the university's academic reputation.
"When I first set out to achieve this goal three years ago, it felt like an enormous task, but I was never told I couldn't do it. I was shown that it was possible if I was willing to work hard."
She added:
"There was a lot of work to do and a lot of skills to master, but having my coaches, friends and family believe in me made all the difference. There is no club I would rather have grown up in and I will always be grateful for everything Harrogate Gymnastics has given me.
"We are more like family than a team, and I will be proud to represent the club as I begin this exciting new chapter."
Her parents, Richard and Hayley Gibson, said they were "truly proud" of everything Georgina has achieved.
They said:
"We knew selection would be tough and that very few places would be available for British gymnasts, but Georgina simply never gave up. In typical G style, she managed to secure an offer from the university she had chosen as her number one choice.
"Although we will miss her, we are so excited for what lies ahead. We would also like to thank Chloe Carey and all the coaches at Harrogate Gymnastics for the dedication they have shown and the environment they have created.
"Since joining the club in 2016, Georgina has never once said she did not want to go to training.
:That says everything about the club's culture. We know it will hold her in good stead for her new team in Alaska. Go Seawolves!"
Chloe Carey, founder of Harrogate Gymnastics, said Georgina's success reflected years of hard work and commitment.
She said:
"We are incredibly proud of Georgina. This scholarship is a fantastic achievement and reflects years of hard work, commitment and passion for the sport.
"To see a gymnast who has trained with us for 10 years preparing to continue her gymnastics career in Alaska is something the whole club can celebrate. It is a huge step for Georgina, both academically and athletically, and we are excited to see what she goes on to achieve.
"At Harrogate Gymnastics, we want young people to have choice, whether they enjoy gymnastics recreationally, build confidence and skills, or progress into competitive pathways. Georgina's story is a brilliant example of where that passion and commitment can lead."
Georgina began gymnastics at the age of five and joined Harrogate Gymnastics in 2016.
She has competed twice at the British Championships and five times at the English Championships, while currently training 20 hours a week under coach Chloe Carey.
Harrogate Gymnastics is based at The Zone in Hornbeam Park and offers gymnastics opportunities for children, young people and adults across the Harrogate district, from recreational classes through to competitive squad training.
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