CHILDREN from schools across Darlington are set to compete for their country after excelling in a kettlebell competition.

Students from Polam Hall School, Carmel College, Longfield Academy and Hurworth School took part in the Northern England Qualifying event, hosted by a gym in Harrogate.

The athletes had to lift two kettlebells above their head continuously for ten minutes, with every rep counted by a judge following set criteria, for example, the kettlebell must come to a complete stop overhead and must be one continuous movement.

Of the ten athletes lifting, each one earned a place on the England team with high praise from fellow competitors and judges at the event.

In addition, the teenage athletes were performing to a standard that is normally set by adults.

Ste Gordon, owner of TU NOVA Kettlebell Club, which promotes the kettlebell sport to youngsters in Darlington, said: “Now that the team have qualified, they will be getting back in the gym and building up to some of the big competitions in 2020. Some of the team will be competing at the Youth Championships on June 25 in Denmark, others are aiming to set a high standard at our home competition in July, the North-East Open.

The Northern Echo:

"This will be held in Darlington and will build on the success of previous years’ competitions.

“After the summer, the full team will be ‘all systems go’ for the World Championships which takes place in Hungary in November; some athletes are competing for the first time while others are looking to add to their medal tallies from recent years.”

TU NOVA Kettlebell Club began in 2013, when Mr Gordon fell in love with the sport and wanted to share the training with others.

The junior club was a ‘happy accident’, borne from one club regular having no childcare and bringing her son along to her class, which he enjoyed so much he wanted to have a go himself.

This led to Mr Gordon guiding him through training and helping him build his confidence, which snowballed, resulting in him setting numerous records along the way.

This success story demonstrated the potential in letting child and parent train together, thus the Kettlebell Kids programme was born.

The children that come through the programme are now in a position to take the next step onto the international stage.

Mr Gordon said: “It is just brilliant to see as they have good role models in the gym and the teenagers understand this, which helps them develop leadership skills and set a good example.

“With technology being such a huge part of people’s lives now, it is important that we don't lose sight on just how fundamental exercise is to our health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

"This project is all about giving children and adults opportunities through kettlebell lifting, whether this is simply staying active or travelling the world, experiencing new cultures whilst competing."