Notts Gymnastics Academy Celebrates Major Athlete & Coach Selections for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Junior European Championships
Notts Gymnastics Academy (NGA) is proud to announce a landmark moment for the club, with six athletes and two coaches selected to represent their nations at major international competitions this summer, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Junior European Championships.
These selections mark one of the most successful periods in recent history, highlighting the strength of our performance pathways and the quality of delivery across all our grassroots participation programmes from PreSchool through to international representation.
Commonwealth Games Selections
Four gymnasts have been selected to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow taking place from 23 July to 2 August.
Hamish Carter – Team Scotland
Alex Yolshin-Cash – Team England
Adam Tobin – Team England
Taeja James – Team England
Junior European Championships Selections
Two NGA gymnasts have been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 Junior European Championships taking place in Zagreb, Croatia, from 19 to 23 August:
Zakaine Fawzi – Great Britain
Evie Ashurst – Great Britain
Alongside them, NGA Head of Men’s, Josh Champion has been appointed as Men’s Team Coach for Team England and NGA Head of Women’s, Jody Kime, has been appointed as Junior Women’s Team Coach for Great Britain, recognising their leadership and contributions.
These selections place Nottingham firmly on the map as a home of world-class gymnastics talent, highlighting the sheer strength of NGA’s development programmes and the long-term commitment placed on nurturing confident, capable and ambitious young athletes.
A Proud Moment for Nottingham
NGA, based in Rushcliffe, has long been known for developing athletes who compete at the highest level of gymnastics locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. These recent selections reflect years of investment in our coaching and facilities, from our Participation Classes to our Performance Squads. An impressive three of the selected gymnasts started at NGA as five-year-olds and have progressed all the way through to this achievement.
A Proud Moment for Nottingham
NGA, based in Rushcliffe, has long been known for developing athletes who compete at the highest level of gymnastics locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. These recent selections reflect years of investment in our coaching and facilities, from our Participation Classes to our Performance Squads. An impressive four of the selected gymnasts started at NGA as four-year-olds and have progressed all the way through to this achievement.
Supporting More People to Be Active
The Academy’s recent facility expansion, alongside continued growth of its participation programmes, has significantly increased capacity, creating opportunities for more children and young people than ever before to access and enjoy gymnastics across the East Midlands.
Aligned with ambitions of Sport England, Active Notts and the Trent Sports District Vision for Growth, to widen participation, reduce barriers to physical activity and build healthier communities, this continued investment further strengthens NGA’s ability to deliver high-quality opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
While developing athletes capable of competing on the international stage, the Academy remains equally committed to inspiring lifelong participation in sport and helping more people lead active, healthy and confident lives. Nottingham is rightly recognised as a city of sport, and with continued investment in inclusive growth, community wellbeing and local regeneration, NGA is uniquely positioned to continue playing a leading role in driving participation, developing talent and creating lasting social impact across the region.
Athlete Bio’s
Zakaine began in the club’s recreational programme at the age of five and 13 years later, is one of Great Britain’s most experienced junior internationals. A 10-time GB representative, he heads to his second Junior European Championships as a reigning European team champion and European Youth Olympic gold medallist.
Alex joined the club at eight years old and has spent the last 12 years rising through the ranks to become a key member of the British squad. After finishing fifth on the pommel horse at his debut World Championships last year, he is now set for his first Commonwealth Games representing Team England.
Hamish started his gymnastics in the club’s participation programme before progressing through the men’s pathway and competing in the USA as a university athlete. Now back at the club since 2022, he prepares for his third Commonwealth Games for Scotland, having won bronze at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
Adam joined the club two years ago and brings significant international experience, including a Junior European silver medal and Youth Olympics Games appearance in 2018. A member of Great Britain’s senior squad for the 2023 European Championships, he is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut for Team England.
Evie started her journey at Notts four years ago and has enjoyed an incredible year, representing GB Junior competitions on two occasions. She finished 2nd at the Junior British Championships and marked her GB debut with a fantastic 3rd place all-around finish. Travelling from Birmingham to train with us, Evie’s dedication is remarkable.
Taeja began her gymnastics journey at NGA at just 4 years old. After returning to training following a five-year break, she was named reserve for the 2024 World Championships. Throughout her career, Taeja has proudly represented her country at the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and World Championships.
About Notts Gymnastics Academy
A registered charity, Notts Gymnastics Academy is one of the UK’s largest gymnastics clubs offering grassroots participation and performance pathways for all ages and abilities. With 1800 members and growing across a variety of programmes, the academy continues to strive for more local impact supporting more young people and adults to enjoy the sport of gymnastics, be physically active and develop confidence and life skills.
Stay Connected
Follow the journeys of our Commonwealth and Junior European athletes across the summer on our official social channels
Instagram: nottsgymacademy
Facebook: Notts Gymnastics Academy
LinkedIn: Notts Gymnastics Academy
Media Enquiries
For further information, media enquiries, interviews with gymnasts, coaches, or academy leadership, please contact our Participation Director (Strategy & Growth) at: ben.mathews@nottsgymnasticsacademy.co.uk