Bermuda Gymnastics Association head coach Brian Le Roux believes the appointment of Anna Balada will prove pivotal in helping the island’s gymnasts fulfil their true potential.

The BGA confirmed the appointment this week, with Balada leaving her present role on island as head coach at Quality Gymnastics, to take up the position as assistant head coach as of September 1.

Over the past four years in her previous role, Balada proved a major catalyst in the development of the club’s and Bermuda’s talented youngsters helping to establish a team which flourished both domestically and overseas.

With that proven track record behind her, Le Roux is excited by the prospect of the club’s new addition continuing that success in her new role.

“I’m really excited that Anna will be joining BGA,” he said. “I know Anna well and I know exactly what she is capable of as a coach. She’s a fantastic all-round coach and I know she will come in and add those little extra details to all aspects of the club.

“Another massive thing for us as a club is that she knows what is going on within the gymnastics world and she has great experience which will help push on our girls to develop on the international stage.

“Having Anna on board and the both of us pushing the girls on together means there are some amazing possibilities.

“On a personal level it was the best news for me to have Anna coming over to BGA, I’m delighted it’s happening and to be working together is amazing.

“I know myself and Anna speak the same language when it comes to coaching gymnastics and be able to work together is a really incredible prospect for me.”

As well as the club benefiting from the appointment, Le Roux is adamant that the positive affect of having Balada on board will not only be felt by BGA but gymnastics on island in general.

“It is a really exciting time not only for the club but also the island,” he added. “We will both be pushing hard to help develop the country’s young talent and create a strong base to build on for the future.

“We’re not just focusing on our club but Bermuda as a whole. This is a great time for the country in terms of gymnastics.

“There will be a real team ethic in place, everyone working from the same page, with the same ideas; that’s really important to me. There is so much going on in terms of the effort being put in to make these gymnasts successful and to reach their full potential; hopefully the results will be there for everyone to see.”