Arthur jumps onto GB gymnastics pathway

A young gymnast from Berkhamsted has achieved his dream of working alongside the GB men’s team.

Arthur Wand, 11, has been selected for the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics GB Development Squad for 2026.

Arthur, who is a pupil at Thomas Coram Church of England School, has been training since the age of five. He started at Sapphire Gymnastics Club in Hemel Hempstead, with coaches Matt Reynolds and Ben Lingwood, and is now at Milton Keynes Gymnastics Club after Sapphire closed down its MAG (Mens Artistic Gymnastics) squad.

Alongside his natural talent, his success comes from hours of training – 4-hour sessions six times a week.

Arthur has taken part in elite gymnastics national events including the Men’s London Open this year and the Setwork Nationals, where he placed in the top six and earned his invitation to the GB Squad trials. He is also the current U12 South Region Champion.

His favourite piece of equipment is the pommel, following in the footsteps of one of his idols, six-time Olympic medallist Max Whitlock (who also began his gymnastics career at Sapphire Gymnastics Club).

Arthur’s mum Kate said: ‘I think it’s an incredible achievement for someone so young.’ She added that Arthur’s school have been fully supportive of his gymnastics dream: ‘His head teacher, Mrs Daily, and his current Year 6 teacher, Mrs Munro, have been brilliant in helping support and balance academics with gymnastics.’