City of Westminster College (CWC) gymnast Marfa Ekimova recently reached new heights after being nominated for Olympic Athlete of the Year.
British Gymnastics — the national Governing Body for gymnastics in the UK — included Marfa in its four-strong shortlist for the prestigious prize, along with Giarnni Regini-Moran (Men’s Artistic Gymnastics), Bryony Page (Trampoline) and Jessica Gadirova (Women’s Artistic Gymnastics).
Rythmic gymnast Marfa, who is currently in her second year of study for an NCFE Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity, just missed out on taking top spot, with BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Jessica and world champion Giarnni being voted joint winners by the judging panel.
However, Marfa was thrilled to reach the final four after what was a momentous 12 months for the CWC student.
In February this year, Marfa achieved a stunning silver medal overall at the recent Elegance Cup event in Calais, France.
The 18-year-old, who was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and moved to London when she was two years old, wrote herself into the record books by becoming the Individual All Round Gold Medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, as well as being part of the England team that won the team bronze medal.
Her four exceptional routines in Birmingham saw her become the first English rhythmic gymnast to win an all-around title at the Games.
Coached by Villy Antonova and Rachel Ennis, the West London Gymnastics club member said: “I’ve had an incredible year. I became the Commonwealth Games champion in the summer.
“I’ve also become a British and English champion as well as qualifying for the final for a medal in the international. It has definitely been a crazy year.”
Stephen Davis, CEO and Principal of United Colleges Group, said: “Marfa’s achievements during the past year are fantastic and have been rightly recognised by British Gymnastics.
“Her hard work and aspirations are proving to be an inspiration to students across all of our campuses, and we are sure more success will follow in the year ahead.”