A TALENTED gymnast has an extra spring in her step thanks to sponsorship from Redditch logistics firm Transmec.

Sixteen-year-old tumbler Izzy Jones is receiving support from the Redditch-based business to attend training camps and competitions taking place in the UK and internationally.

A member of the Revolution Gymnastics Club based in Selly Oak, Izzy has been selected for the English Gymnastics tumbling team after a string of top-three performances in competitions.

Her weekly training routine consists of four sessions of up to four hours each, which she combines with her A-level studies at Halesowen College.

She joined her first gymnastics club at the age of five and began focusing on the acrobatic discipline of tumbling two years later.

She said: “I’ve always loved tumbling, especially learning new skills and doing well in competitions knowing that my hard work has paid off. My ambition is to win an international medal.”

Inspired by the floor exercises of multiple gold medallist Simone Biles, Izzy is one of a few gymnasts who choose to compete a double straight-half, one of the five skills created by the Olympic champion.

“I’ve managed it in training and the Welsh Open Championships, where I finished second. I’m now preparing for the British Championships in early October,” Izzy added.

“After that, I’m attending English Gymnastics’ training camp in Belgium before the French Cup in November. Although I’ve just moved into the 17 to 21 age category, I’m still competing well, so I’m hoping for some good results.”

Transmec’s assistant manager, Alex Smith, said: “We are bowled over by Izzy’s talent, ambition and dedication and are delighted to help out. We wish her well for her forthcoming competitions.”