Welsh Acrobat Dylan Howells Bags European Bronze

By Carl Field

Welsh acrobat Dylan Howells says winning European bronze last week was “one of the greatest feelings in the world.”

Former Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni pupil Dylan, 20, who hails from Risca, and Natasha Hutchinson, were competing as Britain’s sole mixed pair at the Acrobatic European Championships in Pesaro, Italy, and secured a major championship medal for themselves in the balance final.

Their score of 28.630 was enough to ensure a place on the podium. In the combined final, Dylan and Natasha narrowly missed out on a second medal, finishing in 4th place with a total of 84.160.

It follows on from the pair’s appearance at the Acrobatic World Championships in Switzerland back in early July where they only narrowly missed on a final place.

That was the pair’s first competitive outing together, having only teamed up at the start of the year, while preparation had been difficult due to Covid restrictions.

 

2021 Acrobatic European Championships ✅

What an incredible five days of action in Italy, with so many brilliant moments from the British gymnasts 🇬🇧

Congratulations to all of the gymnasts, coaches and clubs involved 🤸‍♂️

📸 @UEGymnastics #AcroPesaro2021 pic.twitter.com/n0ntV2Wvgn

— British Gymnastics (@BritGymnastics) October 3, 2021

Dylan, who turns 21 on Christmas Day, had previously been picked for the Europeans in 2019.

“To win a medal at the Europeans is one of the greatest feelings in the world,” said Dylan who, like Natasha, trains out of King Edmund GC in Gloucestershire.

“We put in a lot of hard work and for it to pay off is amazing.

“Our competition overall was a step up from the World Championships earlier this year; we competed the best we could in each routine and I couldn’t be more pleased.

“After gaining experience from competing at the World Championships, going into the Europeans it felt a lot easier; we were more relaxed and not so nervous.”