Dynamite Willow

‘Little Miss Dynamite,’ Willow-Mae Calland, is making remarkable progress in gymnastics, bringing her aspiration of joining a British team closer than ever.

The 11-year-old talent from the South Devon School of Gymnastics is now designated as an ‘elite’ gymnast and is aiming for a position on the GB Aspire Squad.

This year marked a significant milestone for the Torquay Academy student as she successfully completed her final year in the British Gymnastics Elite Pathway, an esteemed program that only the top two percent of gymnasts in the nation achieve.

She earned her Excel 3 Grade by competing in regional events in Wiltshire and at a National competition in Stoke on Trent.

In Wiltshire, she claimed the title of South West Excel Champion. At the National event in Stoke, she not only achieved the necessary pass score but also secured the title of Devon Level 3 Champion.

The most significant challenge arose at the recent FIG Development 3 British Finals in Guildford, an essential step in her quest to become an Elite Gymnast.

Willow excelled – she was crowned the British FIG Development 3 Vault Champion and also captured the overall All Around Title as the British FIG Development 3 All Around Champion. Additionally, she earned silver medals on both the bars and floor.

Willow’s mother, Kirsty, stated: “With these accomplishments, she has now fulfilled her Elite Pathway, and she takes immense pride in being recognized as an Elite Aspire Gymnast.”

Now, Willow confronts her greatest challenge yet. Her impressive results have automatically qualified her for both the English Championships and the highly esteemed British Championships 2025, scheduled for March in Liverpool, where she will compete alongside top gymnasts, including Olympians like Abby Martin, a teammate and close friend from the South Devon club.

Mum Kirsty noted: “We are all extremely proud of her. She has put in tremendous effort. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to her coach, Rachel Wignall, and the South Devon club. None of this would have been achievable without them.”

To top off a stellar year, Willow concluded her regional squad training in Cornwall by being named the squad’s Gymnast of the Year, earning a gold leotard.

Coach Rachel remarked: “Fantastic work from Willow. She was selected as the squad gymnast of the year due to her remarkable competition accomplishments and outstanding work ethic throughout the year. What an incredible achievement.”

Willow’s family has expressed their gratitude in a special letter to the Rotary Club of Tormohun for the Mike Sangster Award and the Trevor Ward Foundation for their financial support through grants over the past year.