A 14-year-old gymnast from East London has been chosen for two national teams despite facing a “difficult period” after losing her dedicated training venue.
Olivia Kosinska and her fellow gymnasts had to vacate the East London Gymnastic Centre in Beckton last December when the freeholder sold the property to a developer, and their efforts to halt the sale were unsuccessful.
A representative from the prospective developer, Linea Homes, previously stated that the new tenant, whose identity has not been revealed, would provide “considerable health and social advantages” for the community while aiming to preserve the building’s current structure.
Currently, Olivia is commuting over an hour to gyms outside her local area for her training sessions.
“Although we’ve lost our gym, they continue to strive for their best, working hard to achieve their aspirations,” her mother, Justyna Kosinska, remarked to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Olivia has been selected to compete for both the England and Poland gymnastics teams but has opted to represent Poland this year.
In the meantime, she has been training at Camden Gymnastics Club and Greenwich Royals Gymnastics Club.
“We are extremely thankful to both clubs for providing our girls with the chance to keep training,” Ms. Kosinska expressed.
“The travel expenses have increased for our family; the costs are considerably higher, and we have had to pay for transportation as well.”
Kirk Zammit, co-manager of the charity running the East London Gymnastics Club (ELGC), emphasized the urgent need for a long-term venue for the club.
“If a new permanent location isn’t secured soon, we risk having to shut down our elite competitive squad program,” he stated.
“We currently have gymnasts on the GB squad aiming for the upcoming Junior European Championships, and they may find it challenging to continue in the sport without a new facility.”
The club is believed to be exploring various options but has yet to find a suitable new home.
Since its opening in 1997, supported by National Lottery funding, the East London Gymnastic Centre has nurtured the careers of numerous elite Olympians, including Hollywood star Tom Holland, who trained there in the past.
A spokesperson for Linea Homes reiterated to the LDRS: “Our plans for the site aim to maintain the existing building while ensuring it remains financially viable. We have secured a new tenant that will deliver significant health and social benefits to the local community.”
