An Andover gymnast has won his 10th British tumbling championship.

Kristof Willerton, who has represented Great Britain internationally for many years, secured his 10th tumbling win at this year’s British Championships.

Reflecting on his achievement, Willerton said: "The British is always one of the most anticipated events for me.

"My first senior British in 2010 is always a big stand out for me, being the first time we combined with trampoline and DMT (double mini trampoline).

"It felt like such an amazing event and being a 16-year-old competing in the seniors felt very exciting with no expectations, so to come away with the title then was surprising."

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He added: "2019 was another big favourite of mine, but this year’s British was perhaps my favourite competition I have done, as I managed to hit a massive personal goal in terms of conquering an old skill and managed to even at this stage test many new factors."

This year, Willerton also competed in DMT.

He said: "For me, it was something I always wanted to try again from my time when I was younger, and starting to look at my next chapter I went down to Poole for a session and simply really enjoyed it.

"Going back and having to work things out with a beginner’s mindset was fascinating as an athlete and coach.

"It also made me have to conquer fears and was really helping my tumbling, so I thought it was definitely something to explore and play with."

He added: "The community has always been so welcoming too, so it was nice to do both at the British and enjoy competing in new ways."

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Willerton also spoke about his love of tumbling and what draws him to both competing and coaching the discipline.

He said: "Tumbling truly has an amazing community which, alongside being able to compete in an elite sport where you can push yourself and test your limits and learn so much about yourself, is an important combination and the biggest draw to me.

"Sharing this passion alongside my wife Jenna and the rest of the team with other athletes and seeing them thrive in their journeys is why I love coaching.

"It is great to be able to share my experience, but I learn so much more from them as well in so many ways."

Willerton also shared his biggest career highlight so far.

He said: "My biggest highlight was the 2022 world championships, on the back of a difficult year, trying new approaches mentally was a great challenge and something I have taken confidence in, both in and out of the sport."