Darlington boy, 10, third at British gymnastics event

Hugo Metcalfe, aged 10, competed at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Sunday, July 13, and earned a podium finish in a national event featuring the best in the country.

Hugo Metcalfe, 10, from Darlington on his podium finish at the British Championships (Image: Stuart Boulton) His dad, Chris Metcalfe said: “He’s worked so hard for this. He trains four nights a week for two and a half hours and never wants to miss a session.”

Hugo, who trains at Teesside Academy of Gymnastics, marked his birthday the day before the competition.

Mr Metcalfe added: “We travelled down on Saturday and the whole family made a weekend of it.

“That evening, he got to practise in the arena and he said, ‘I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else on my birthday.’”

Darlington gymnast Hugo Metcalfe at Teesside Academy of Gymnastics in Middlesbrough (Image: Stuart Boulton) Hugo began gymnastics around four years ago, after early involvement in parent and child sessions.

“He’s always wanted to do it. He just comes alive when he’s in the gym,” said Mr Metcalfe.

“He’s a quiet lad day to day, but in gymnastics he’s confident, focused, and has so many friends.”

Hugo Metcalfe on the podium at his event (Image: CHRIS METCALFE) Mr Metcalfe said walking out to the national anthem was a huge moment.

“He was just happy to make the competition, but I knew deep down he wanted that medal. I just wanted him to enjoy it.”

Hugo stood proudly on the podium after securing third place.

“It was amazing,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“He brought the medal into the gym the next day and was so proud. He was allowed the night off from training, but he was back in the gym the night after.”