Sofia’s gymnastics journey
After moving to London, Sofia found a place to train, make friends and pursue the sport she loved. Her consistency led first to a competition milestone—and then to KCGA’s highest annual honour.
A journey shaped by consistency, support and joy
Sofia joined Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy in October 2024, shortly after her family moved to London. She was nine during the period covered by this story and trained in children’s group classes at St Philip’s Church in Kensington.
Her motivation and love of gymnastics were clear from the beginning. As the months passed, regular practice, clear goals and the encouragement of her coaches helped that enthusiasm become confident progress.
- 01October 2024Joined KCGA after moving to London
- 025 October 2025Won silver on Floor at the High 10 Invitational
- 03Annual Performance 2025Recognised as Gymnast of the Term
- 04Annual Performance 2026Awarded KCGA Gymnast of the Year
Finding a place to grow and belong
Joining a new gymnastics club was part of a much bigger transition for Sofia and her family. KCGA gave her continuity through a familiar sport, while the class community helped her settle into life in London.
Her parents saw progress that extended beyond skills: greater flexibility, discipline and self-confidence, alongside new friendships and the feeling of being part of a caring community.
The most meaningful change was broader than performance: gymnastics became a place where Sofia could feel motivated, connected and increasingly sure of herself.
A silver medal with special meaning
At the High 10 Invitational on 5 October 2025, Sofia earned silver on Floor and became KCGA’s first gymnast to win a medal in the children’s category.
The result marked a memorable moment for the academy, but it was also the visible outcome of Sofia’s own work: attending consistently, responding to feedback and continuing to practise with purpose.
- 5 October 2025
- KCGA’s first children’s-category medal
- An individual milestone, achieved through sustained effort
Support that kept motivation alive
Sofia’s family credits coaches Silvia and Venia, together with personal support from Dr Stefan Kolimechkov, for helping her thrive in training.
Clear goals gave Sofia something concrete to work towards. Positive recognition mattered too—including the reward stickers she looked forward to collecting at the end of class.
Sofia is very motivated to do well in this sport, and what has helped her a lot has been the support of the trainers… She truly loves receiving the stickers at the end of each class!— Cristina, Sofia’s mum
Progress her family could see every day
During KCGA’s 2025 Annual Performance, Sofia was named Gymnast of the Term—a recognition of her effort, consistency and team spirit. At the Annual Performance 2026, she received KCGA’s highest recognition: Gymnast of the Year.
The award is not decided by medals or competition results. KCGA’s coaching team selects the gymnast who, across the year, best represents consistent effort, meaningful progress, coachability, resilience, sportsmanship and a positive contribution to the academy.
Awarded to Sofia at the academy’s Annual Performance.
Three threads in Sofia’s progress
Her story shows how a child’s own enthusiasm can be strengthened by a consistent environment and recognition that remains encouraging rather than pressuring.
Internal motivation
Sofia arrived with a genuine love of gymnastics and the desire to improve—an important foundation for sustained learning.
Consistent coaching
Regular feedback and support from familiar coaches helped her turn enthusiasm into increasingly confident movement.
Clear, positive goals
Competition, performances, awards and even end-of-class stickers made progress visible and gave effort a meaningful direction.
Every gymnast’s path is individual. Sofia’s story describes her family’s experience and does not promise the same timetable, milestones or competition outcomes for another child. KCGA aims to help each gymnast progress from their own starting point.