Tumbling his way into the TeamGym British Championships 2026, Isaac has an inspirational message.
When it comes to fulfilling your ambitions, the Stockton Riverside College student believes nothing should hold you back.
As a Team GB gymnast with multiple medals to his name, it is a motto he clearly lives by.
“Gymnastics has always been a lifetime of opportunity for me,” said the 16-year-old, who is recently back from The Northern Qualifying Championships where his integrated mixed team scooped yet another gold.
“As a gymnast I feel so happy. Your team is like a family, and gymnastics is my second home.”
For Isaac, who has Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can leave him with stiffness in his joints and affects his vision and hearing, gymnastics helps to build his core flexibility and strength.
It is great for his confidence and social skills, and training since he was five, he couldn’t imagine life without it.
Training twice a week, with Scarborough Gymnastics Academy and Richmondshire Thirsk Dales Gymnastics, which is run by his mum, for Isaac, it is very much a family affair. He trains alongside his sister and his granddad is also his coach.
A haul of national medals at home in Thirsk is proof that he has a talent for the sport. And, along with his teammates, he is a true advocate for inclusivity in gymnastics.
In November Isaac travelled to Italy as part of the first ever Great Britain integrated club team to participate in the mid European event, where the group were selected to perform at the international tournament’s opening ceremony.
The latest win at the Northern qualifiers at Northumbria University will now see the Scarborough team compete at the national British TeamGym Championships next month.
Studying performing arts at Stockton Riverside College and also a keen drummer, Isaac takes it all in his stride. In fact, he loves to perform.
And when it comes to competitions, he and his teammates certainly know how to whip up the audience.
“The crowd is crazy,” said Isaac. “They are so loud. It is intense but it helps. If you have a lot of people cheering you on, how can you not do well?”
His big wish is to see gymnastics represented at the Paralympics and obviously to get the chance to compete himself.
Keen to spread the word, he said: “Gymnastics has helped build my strength and loosen my joints, which means I can move a lot faster.
“You do have to have a good level of fitness, but with training it can be for everyone.”
Stockton Riverside College’s curriculum manager for creative and digital, Tom Guest, said: “Isaac works so hard in all that he does. A natural performer, at college he has taken part in a showcase performance and pantomime and is now working towards a role in a short film.
“Gymnastics provides incredible opportunities for Isaac and further develops his performance skills. We are very proud of everything he has achieved.”
