Christine Still Awarded MBE for Lifetime Dedication to Gymnastics
Christine Still, a highly respected gymnastics coach and BBC commentator, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list.This prestigious recognition celebrates her decades of unwavering commitment to the sport and the countless gymnasts she’s guided to success.
Still has served as the head coach of park Wrekin Gymnastic Club in Shropshire as 1990. Throughout her tenure, she has nurtured talent, most notably guiding former beam champion Alice Kinsella to achieve remarkable feats on the Olympic, Commonwealth, World, and European stages.
She expressed her surprise at receiving the honor, admitting she had ”no inkling” and was unaware of who nominated her. fortunately, despite a slight address error, the official notification reached her, bringing joyous news.
A Coaching Journey Spanning Generations
Still’s passion for gymnastics began early, and she started coaching at the age of 18, coinciding with the rise of gymnastics icon Olga korbut. Her own experience as a gymnast transitioned seamlessly into a fulfilling coaching career.
Initially, she and her husband, Colin, achieved notable success, with their first gymnasts reaching the World Championships in 1978. Later, in 1984, Colin was appointed national coach for women, prompting the couple’s move to Lilleshall.There, Still honed her skills, training gymnasts at a junior school before a dedicated sports hall and gym were built at Wrekin College. She remained at Wrekin college for eight years before relocating.
The art of Gymnastics coaching
Still emphasizes the dynamic nature of gymnastics coaching. It’s a sport that constantly evolves, offering continuous learning opportunities and requiring adaptability in working with young athletes.
She believes coaching is about more than just technique. It’s about fostering confidence, helping gymnasts overcome fears, and nurturing their potential. “it’s the most interesting of sports to coach,” she stated, “It’s an open-ended sport.”
Her dedication stems from a deep-seated love for the sport. She knew early on that gymnastics had “grabbed my heart and my attention.”
A Legacy of Impact
Throughout her career, Still has also become a familiar voice to audiences worldwide, providing commentary for six Olympic Games. this dual role as coach and commentator demonstrates her comprehensive understanding of the sport.Her impact extends beyond individual athletes. She has consistently contributed to the growth and advancement of gymnastics, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams. This MBE is a well-deserved acknowledgement of a lifetime dedicated to excellence in gymnastics.
