Meet Rising British Talent: Sydney Olivier Hall

At the mere age of 6, Sydney Olivier Hall is a star on the rise for Great Britain. At three days old, Sydney was brought into the gym, wrapped in a blanket, and handed to a gymnast while her mom (and coach) judged the club championships. "From that day onwards, she has visited many gyms at various different stages of her development, from simply watching colors go by as a baby, to being captivated by a routine as a toddler." said her mother Hayley Olivier-Hall (who coaches Sydney at Pegasus Gymnastics Club in Maidstone, Kent, England.) "When she started walking she wanted to climb and after that she wanted to swing. She just wanted to try more and more and would cry when it was time to go home."

Photo belongs to Hayley Olivier Hall

Sydney has been rapidly improving in the sport ever since! She is currently a level 6 gymnast (which is the lowest level in the British competitive gymnastics system) and trains 12 hours a week! "Watching the senior gymnasts was enough inspiration to drive her forward and create a huge passion for the sport. She hates it when someone can do something that she cannot!" said Hayley.

Photo belongs to Hayley Olivier Hall

In 2012, the family moved home and Sydney started at Pegasus. In her first competition ever (the County of Kent meet) Sydney won 3 gold medals; something she considers her biggest accomplishment! "Head Coach Ionut Trandaburu has had an enormous influence over Sydney's program and shares the same passion for her success. Having had previous international success his knowledge and expertise have been vital to ensuring her progress is on track." Hayley told us. Sydney has been working hard in the gym on many exciting upgrades such as stalders, toe ons, and giants on bars, back handspring layout step outs and walkovers on beam, and connecting back handsprings on floor! Sydney's favorite event is bars because she can "swing like a monkey!"

                 

Born of mixed heritage (Trinidadian and English) and the second of four children, Sydney comes from a very athletic family! Her mom is an ex gymnast and her Dad an ex football (soccer) player and boxer. Sydney's Trinidadian grandmother was a professional dancer and her grandfather a high level gymnast. "Most of our family are also vocalists or musicians and we love to perform!" says mom Hayley. Outside of the gym Sydney enjoys reading, writing, drawing, coloring, baking, dancing, singing and modeling.

Photo belongs to Hayley Olivier Hall

Although Sydney has no gymnastics idols, she adores Jessie J and sings her songs at gym all the time! "She will also stop anything she is doing in the gym to dance to Beyonce 'Single Ladies'!" Hayley told us. As of right now, Sydney's short term goal is to improve her execution scores at her next competition in 6 weeks. Her long term goal is to "get an Olympic medal like Beth Tweddle!" But for now, she will continue to train for her first British Regional competition at the end of September with her mom by her side every step of the way! "My love of the sport is matched by Sydney and the passion for success and beauty is shared. We are a great partnership!"

Photo belongs to Hayley Olivier Hall

So how exactly does a 6 year old stay so focused in the gym? "Sydney is a complete mix of character depending on what mood she is in. She can be as quiet as a mouse or standing on a pommel playing air guitar to the radio... we never know what to expect with her! No matter what mood she is in, her frustration and disappointment will show instantly if she cant achieve the result she wants" said Hayley "Our biggest challenge is helping her to accept mistakes as part of learning and setting realistic goals."

Photo belongs to Hayley Olivier Hall

In February of 2012, Hayley created a YouTube channel to showcase everything Sydney has been working on. The YouTube channel has reached nearly 6,000 subscribers and over 1 million views! If you would like to follow Sydney on her journey to the elite level please click (here) and subscribe to her channel! 

Photo belongs to Hayley Olivier Hall

Best of luck to Sydney in the future!  We can't wait to see what you accomplish!