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Having struggled with injury throughout 2004 and being named reserve to a number of teams, it all finally came together for 15-year-old Hayley Robson in July 2005 when she was crowned British Junior All-Around Champion.
As an 8-year-old Hayley started recreational gymnastics at a small club in Peterlee where her talent for the sport was discovered. Soon after Hayley started serious training at the South Durham Gymnastics Club in Spennymoor where she still trains today. Hayley has been a key asset in South Durham's success over the last few years, the height of which was their silver medal at the 2004 British Team Championships, behind the ever-dominant Liverpool. Hayley's performances helped the team to their 2nd place finish despite an injured wrist sustained whilst training at Liverpool. The injury also hampered Hayley's efforts to qualify for the 2004 Junior European team. After the trials Hayley was named as a reserve for the team.
"I always like to give 100% in the gym"
Ever determined to bounce back from injury, Hayley went on to compete at the British Championships in July 2004 and placed 4th as a Junior, placing her in good stead for a place on the English team for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Australia. Unfortunately Hayley was injured at the Alpha Factor invitation, ending her bid to compete in Australia. There was more injury to come when Hayley fractured her arm in October 2004. However, rehabilitation of the arm went quicker than was expected and she was able to resume full time training and focused on the 2005 European Youth Olympic Festival trials. Once again, the injuries and reduced training meant that Hayley settled for the reserve position. Hayley did not have to travel to the competition (held in the first week of July 2005) with the team and was still able to compete at the British Championships. With the EYOF team unable to compete at the British, and many of 2004's juniors moving up to senior, Hayley entered the competition as one of the favourite's for the title. After fighting off challenges from good-friend Gabrielle Santus, Heathrow's Amy Nunes and team-mate Amy Fossheim, Hayley placed first and became the 2005 Junior National Champion, adding a second gold in the asymmetric bars final, capped off with a gorgeous double layout.
"Gymnastics has given me great belief, improved my self confidence and given me some fabulous opportunities already."
Hayley has always been an enigmatic and precocious performer on the floor exercise and her latest routine, to music from the film Honey, is no exception. Hayley's modern, funky choreography won her many new fans at the 2005 British Championships.
Hayley's goal for 2006 is the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne Australia. As Junior champ, Hayley enters the trials in an excellent position.
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