HAYLEY JOHNSTON bowed out from competition in fine style by claiming the gold medal in the recent 2001 FIG, Level Two and Three County Gymnastics Championships at Hemel Hempstead Sports Centre.

Hayley, from Dolphina Gymnastics Club, took the gold medal overall for the level two 14-plus age group.

The gold medal was awarded after an excellent performance which included first position on vault, joint first on floor, second on bars, and third on beam.

Hayley has now decided to retire from gymnastics and is now part of Dolphinas Coaching Squad who train at the Watford Leisure Centre.

Hollie Willett, in the 10-12 Age Groups, came joint fourth overall and joint first place on floor, while Victoria Vettese claimed third spot on bars in the same age groupings.

Meanwhile, the benefits to the Harrow School of Gymnastics of International Performance Coaches Carol and Simon Ford were underlined at the London Regional and Club NDP Competition held at the East London Gymnastics Centre last Sunday, where the six club members competing won four golds and two silvers medals.

At regional level, Vincent Coop, who is a member of the under 12 national squad, took gold in the Primary 3 section while John Carter won the Primary 4 section.

Second places went to Hiroshi Usuda and Aaron Woodcock in the under 18 and under 14 categories respectively.

They will now represent London at the NDP Finals at Lilleshall from November 23-25.

Harrow's Curtis Gibbs, who withdrew from the competition through injury, will join them having been selected on the strength of his past performances.

In the club competition, Peter McCullough has put his name forward for regional selection after winning gold in the Intermediate two section, while Robert McEnaney took first place in the Under 16 category.

Both should compete in the NDP Club Finals in Dorset on December 9.

October 20, 2001 15:33