A Harpenden schoolgirl has won first place at a youth championships event in Telford earlier this month.

In the 'youth women' category Hollie Goodwin, 11, was named the British Tumbling champion. 

She achieved her podium finish at the JustGo Trampoline, Tumbling and DMT British Championships at Telford International Centre, competing against the best in the country.

Hollie poses with her gold medal.Hollie poses with her gold medal. (Image: Susie Goodwin)The 11-year-old, of Markyate, attends Roundwood Park Secondary School, and has "loved tumbling" since the age of six. 

Hollie said: "I spend all my free time in the gym with my Milton Keynes team mates and friends and my fantastic coaches Beth Zastron and Elliott Browne. Its a real team effort."

Hollie has been competing for Milton Keynes since the age of six and was selected for the Great Britain (GBR) development squad at the age of eight. 

Now she is 11, the youth gymnast is eligible to compete for GBR at an international level and is travelling to the Loule Cup in Portugal next week.

Parents Susie and Drew Goodwin are "very proud" of Hollie's achievements.

The 11-year-old gymnast was flying during the Telford championships.The 11-year-old gymnast was flying during the Telford championships. (Image: Susie Goodwin)

Hollie landing the tumble at the British championships. Hollie landing the tumble at the British championships. (Image: Susie Goodwin) "She trains extremely hard, up to 20 hours a week in Milton Keynes Gymnastics Centre, so its a huge commitment as a family," they added.

The parents are also pleased with Roundwood Park School, calling them "really supportive" with Hollie's training since she joined in September.

Hollie described balancing training and schooling "very difficult" and does so by completing her homework at lunchtimes. She then heads straight to her four hour training sessions. 

In the future, Hollie dreams of competing at the World Championships for GBR and hopes to one day preform in Cirque du Soleil.