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If you ever want an example of a gymnast with grit and determination, look no further than Shavahn church. Raymond and Mandy Church had their daughter Shavahn on the 3rd of may 1989 in California, America. It wasn't until 7 years later however that Shavahn found an interest in gymnastics.
"I saw some kids bouncing on a trampoline and told my mum I wanted to do that!"
That year, she took her first steps in the gym under the guidance of former Chinese national coach Ming Ming Yang at Li Nings Gymnastics. It was clear from this stage that Shavahn had a talent for the sport. She progressed through the American levels quickly and at the age of 12, competing in the regional level 10 finals Shavahn was crowned champion of her favourite piece, the asymmetric bars. Just before competing in her first JO nationals Shavahn developed a hamstring injury which meant she could only compete on bars. An inspiring performance under such circumstances allowed for a 3rd place finish on her strongest apparatus and was a sign of things to come!
Shavahn then progressed to elite level gymnastics and in 2003 qualified for her first national championships. Although she did not make the national team on the day, her bar routine was subsequently re-examined and it was judged that she deserved a place on the junior national squad. In 2004 she qualified once again for the national championships gaining two 5th place AA positions in qualifying competitions as well as a bronze on floor along the way.
Unfortunately she was faced by disappointment once again; this time through an injury sustained on her first piece of apparatus. The diagnosis; a broken hand.
Recovering quickly, Shavahn was able to attend a national training camp competition in October, however, bars was her foe once again. Falling from her first release, an awkward landing put Shavahn out of the competition; it was later revealed that the sustained injury was a torn ACL in her right knee. For many gymnasts, this would be a career ending injury. It requires a lengthy, often frustrating, rehabilitation period but for Shavahn giving in was not an option.
2005 signalled Shavahn's first year as a senior. Having worked through the injury in around 6 months, she was back training and soon back in the competition arena.
Mid way through the 2005 season Shavahn made the decision to transfer to the GB national squad. Although having lived in the US all of her life Shavahn's parents are both British giving her dual nationality making her eligible to compete for either nation. Having agreed this with both US and British gymnastics Shavahn made the transfer. This was also based on the fact that G.B.s selection for their world championship team would be later than the selections in America allowing Shavahn to get back to full strength routines before the trials. This was a great move as Shavahn was selected as Britain's second AA gymnast for the championships where she placed 20th AA.
Following this, Shavahn has also competed for England in the 2006 commonwealth games in the same arena as the 2005 world championships. Here with the rest of the English team Shavahn enjoyed the success of a team silver medal, a 5th place finish AA and an individual silver medal on bars!
Returning to England again in 2006, she competed for the first time for her elected British club, Heathrow in the British team championships. Shavahn performances were crucial, gaining the top scores on both vault and bars, and for the first time in for several years, Heathrow took the title ahead of the team from Liverpool. It seemed that her British success was growing as she was selected for the 2006 European championship team in March. Travelling out to Volos, Greece with the GB team, podium training went fairly well although she had complained of slight knee pain. However in qualification after getting through a good beam routine Shavahn competed on floor where she injured her knee forcing her out of the competition. Sadly it was once again revealed that Shavahn had torn her ACL but this time, on her left knee. Having fought this battle once, Shavahn knows it is one that she can win again. Once again in rehabilitation, Shavahn is slowly working her way back to full health and should be returning to competition in 2007.
"Beijing is my goal - if I keep training the way I am I think I'll improve a lot and give myself a great chance."
We are all eagerly awaiting Shavahn's return to competition and wish her all the best for her future with team GB.
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