Southampton gymnast Kelly Simm has announced her retirement

Simm started gymnastics when she was just six years old at Dynamo School of Gymnastics and has remained at the same club ever since.

Simm isn’t departing from the sport completely though. She now does lots of work in schools and gym clubs, inspiring future gymnasts.

She said: “I like to take the amazing lessons I’ve learned through gymnastics, to put them out there and put the fun back into the sport.

"I want to be a voice for gymnastics and help out where I can make the sport even better.”

When the journey began, Simm told British Gymnastics: “I didn’t have any goals or aspirations to compete in the beginning, but here I am.

"It’s been a long journey, but it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come. It feels so special to be starting and finishing my career at this club.”

Since joining the national team in 2013, Simm has gone on to have countless incredible achievements.

She represented Team England at three Commonwealth Games, was crowned World University Champion, guided Great Britain to a world bronze in 2015 and became all-around British champion.

Talking about being selected to represent her country, Simm added: "I feel
so proud.

"I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d have achieved half of what I have, getting to represent Great Britain, do the competitions and be in the sport as long as I have – it’s shaped me.

"I’m proud of my journey. The friendships I’ve formed have been so special. We have such a strong bond as we’ve been through it all together.

"It’s great to now be able to look back and reminisce. We’re always going to have shared those moments and those medals with those people.”