A TEENAGE gymnast’s dream of winning gold at the World Tumbling Championships in Russia were kept alive thanks to BMI The Hampshire Clinic, who successful treated her for back ligament damage.

Allana Penny, pictured, who trains with the Basingstoke Gymnastic Club at the Active Life Centre, won her place at St Petersburg thanks to victory in the British trials.

The 17-year-old started competing yesterday against the best tumblers in the world from 37 other federations.

However, the teenager nearly never made it for her tilt at World glory, after she was injured in training just six weeks before the competition.

Penny, who comes from a family of gymnasts, was referred for physiotherapy by Dr Mark Wotherspoon and had a rehabilitation plan created to help her resume training as soon as possible and to get in the best possible shape to compete.

Her treatment included working on the mobility of her spinal joints and tight hip muscles to protect the area in the future.

Her recovery and dedication impressed the doctors so much that BMI The Hampshire Clinic are also sponsoring Penny’s trip to Russia to compete, presenting her with a cheque for £2,000.

Britain’s gold medal hopeful said: “I really can’t explain just how amazing the clinic have been for me. There is no way I would have been ready without them.”

Phillip O’Ehley, the clinic’s Executive Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to support such a talented and dedicated athlete as Allana and help her to compete at the top level.

“We wish Allana and Team GB the best of luck in St Petersburg and will all be following her progress at the games.”

Penny is one of four Basingstoke tumblers in Russia for the World Championships. The other three are Alex Hickens, Jordan Lucas and Dan Lannigan.

Basingstoke coach Anne Bidmead is also out in St Petersburg as one of the coaches for Team GB.

l More information about the Sports Medicine service at BMI The Hampshire Clinic can be found at bmihealthcare.co.uk/ hampshireclinic or by calling 01256 357111.