Coleg Menai Sport Student Somersaulting to Success at the British Gymnastics Championships
17-year old Ela Hâf Williams recently became the Welsh champion at the Tumble and Vault Gymnastics Championships in Cardiff and is all set to make her way down to Stoke on Trent on May 3 for the British Tumbling Finals.
“I feel very happy and proud of myself for becoming the Welsh Champion as I competed against 23 strong competitors,” explained Ela, who is studying Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science at Coleg Menai’s Llangefni campus on Anglesey.
“My next competition is the British Tumbling finals in Stoke on Trent on Sunday 3rd May.
I feel very excited and quite nervous about the next competition as it’s a big one for me. I also feel proud to represent Coleg Menai and Wales,” said Ela.
She added, “I’ve been preparing for this competition by training hard with my coaches 3 times a week at my gymnastics club, Ynys Mon gymnastics club, making sure that my tumbles are as perfect as can be.”
Ela is currently in the first year of her studies at Coleg Menai and feels that her course has enhanced her gymnastics skills by helping her understand how her body works and how to maximise her performance.
“This includes improving my training methods, managing injury prevention and recovery and the importance of and benefits of nutrition and hydration,” said Ela.
“The course has helped me develop better mental focus when preparing for competitions, which has improved my overall performance,” she added.
“Go for it,” is Ela’s advice for those considering studying for a career in the sporting industry. Highlighting how her studies include both practical and scientific learning, she also noted: “The tutors are supportive and understanding and the setting and facilities are excellent!”
Catherine Smith, Programme Area Manager for Health & Care, Sport and
Public Services at Coleg Menai said: “This is a fantastic achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of Ela. She has shown outstanding commitment both in her sport and in her studies, and it’s been a pleasure to support her journey. At the college, we’re passionate about helping learners pursue their ambitions, whether that’s in the classroom or on the national stage, and Ela's success truly embodies that spirit.”
Ela has a long list of achievements already under her belt, including representing Ynys Môn twice in the Island Games (Guernsey 2023 & Orkney 2025), and we are sure that there are many more great things to come.
We wish you Best of luck at the British Tumbling Finals, Ela. We will be cheering you on!
Visit our website to see the range of sports courses on offer across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/courses...
