Sadia Wilson, the Bermuda gymnast, has been rewarded for her impressive form for the Notts Gymnastics Academy after being called up to the England squad.

The 13-year-old, who moved to Britain last September to continue her development, was named in the England squad yesterday along with her Notts Academy team-mates Katy Bramley and Jess Coombs.

Wilson’s international recognition comes after impressive back-to-back performances at the Miss Alpha Factor Meet and the English Championships last month.

Komlah Foggo-Wilson, Sadia’s mother, said that the call-up represented a significant stepping stone as her daughter looks to achieve her dream of competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“This is a major, major accomplishment and we are so excited for Sadia,” Mrs Foggo-Wilson said. “In six months, Sadia has proved her worth and potential by earning a spot in the England squad.

“This is indeed a very big opportunity for any gymnast training in the United Kingdom. It’s a natural progression towards moving up to the British squad, which selects the Olympic team.

“The whole family can’t express how proud we are of Sadia, who has worked very hard for this.”

Wilson’s family made a controversial decision to withdraw her from the Junior Pan American Games in Brazil in February after a request for her British-based coach to accompany her was turned down by the Bermuda Gymnastics Association.

Duke Nelligan, the BGA head coach, believed that integrating someone unfamiliar with the association’s set-up would not have been in the best interests of Clara James and Danielle Wall, who represented Bermuda in Aracaju.

Yesterday, Mrs Foggo-Wilson said that she wanted to draw a line under the matter and hoped to “bridge the gap” with the BGA, insisting that her daughter remains keen to compete for Bermuda in the future.

When contacted by the Wilson family, Peter James, the BGA president, described the development as “awesome news”.

James added yesterday: “On behalf of the Bermuda Gymnastics Association, I would like to congratulate Sadia Wilson for being selected for the England Squad.

“As we watched her grow at the BGA this seems like a natural progression for her, and it is a fantastic opportunity for her to advance in her gymnastics training. We wish her all the best as she strives toward her future goals.”

Mrs Foggo-Wilson added: “Sadia’s family are seeking support from the BGA and are set to meet next week as we plan for her to represent Bermuda at upcoming meets.

“We want to maximise the best possible outcome for both Sadia and Bermuda. The past is the past and we are looking to bridge the gap with the BGA, so [a withdrawal] does not happen again.

“This is what really matters most. We must move forward so that we seize all future opportunities for Sadia to represent Bermuda on the international stage.”

Wilson outlined her potential at the NatWest Island Games in Bermuda last summer when she seized gold in the balance beam and uneven parallel bars.