'Challenging time' for gymnasts after site sold

A teenage gymnast from east London who has faced a "challenging time" since losing her permanent training facility has been selected for two national squads.

Olivia Kosinska, 14, and her teammates were forced to leave the East London Gymnastic Centre in Beckton in December after the freeholder sold the site to a developer and a bid to prevent the sale failed.

A spokesperson for the proposed developer, Linea Homes, previously said the new tenant, which had not been named, would bring "significant health and social benefits" to the community and planned to retain the building as it was.

Olivia is now travelling more than an hour to clubs outside of her borough to train regularly.

"Even though we've lost the gym, they're still pushing themselves to do their best and to train hard and to reach their goals," her mother, Justyna Kosinska, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Olivia was selected to represent both the England and Poland gymnastics squads but has chosen to represent the latter this year.

She has been training at Camden Gymnastics Club and Greenwich Royals Gymnastics Club in the interim.

"We are so grateful to those two clubs that they allowed our girls to actually have that opportunity to continue their training," Ms Kosinska said.

"[The travelling] costs us more as a family; the fees are much higher, and we've had to cover the travel costs as well.

"Even though we've lost the gym, they're still pushing themselves to do their best and to train hard and to reach their goals."

Kirk Zammit, who co-manages the charity that runs the East London Gymnastics Club (ELGC), said a long-term home needed to be found for the club soon.

"If a new permanent facility isn't found soon, the club will face closing their elite competitive squad programme," he said.

"We have GB squad gymnasts currently on target for the next Junior European Championships who may struggle to continue in the sport if a new location isn't found."

The club is understood to have viewed a number of locations but has not secured somewhere suitable.

The East London Gymnastic Centre opened its doors in 1997 with the help of National Lottery funding and has supported the careers of several top Olympians.

Hollywood actor Tom Holland also trained at the club in the past.

A Linea Homes spokesperson previously told the LDRS: "Our plans for the site focus on retaining the building and ensuring its financial viability. We have secured a new tenant who will bring significant health and social benefits to the community."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]