'Challenging time' for gymnasts after site sold

Olivia Kosinska, a 14-year-old gymnast from East London, has been selected for national squads representing both England and Poland. Following the sale of the East London Gymnastic Centre, Olivia and her teammates now travel over an hour to train at other clubs, affecting their training continuity and family finances. Her mother, Justyna Kosinska, expressed gratitude to the Camden Gymnastics Club and Greenwich Royals Gymnastics Club for their support during this transition. Kirk Zammit, co-manager of the East London Gymnastics Club, emphasized the urgency of finding a new permanent facility to prevent the closure of their elite competitive program. He noted that GB squad gymnasts are at risk of losing their competitive edge without a suitable location.

The East London Gymnastic Centre, established in 1997 with National Lottery funding, has a legacy of producing top gymnasts, including Olympians. A spokesperson for Linea Homes, the new developer, stated their commitment to retaining the building for community benefits. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local sports facilities in urban areas.