Katherine (Kat) Pugh (Class of 2007) has proven that age is no barrier when it comes to sport. She returned to gymnastics in her 20s, a sport she cites as key to overcoming her battle with anorexia and has recently joined the competitive circuit. 

In October 2023, she formed part of a team which travelled to Germany for the inaugural International Masters Cup: an event where teams were made of competitors of a minimum age of 30 and had to span at least three different decades. Team GB fielded gymnasts up to the age of 60, and in the German team there were competitors in their 70s.

Kat said "I felt overwhelmed to have the opportunity to represent my country, something I never thought I'd be able to do. It was a huge honour."

She went on to say how much she enjoyed meeting gymnasts from all across the world, many of whom she'd connected with over the years through social media. "It was wonderful to finally meet in person. It's such a supportive community".

Speaking of her participation in the sport, beyond the age of 30, Kat added: "Gymnastics as an adult is a great way to keep fit as well as make lots of new friends and try new skills." 

"There’s lots of adult classes out there so I definitely encourage you to give it a go, even if you didn’t do it before as a child."

“If you are up for competing there are also lots of competitions for adults now, but you can also try the sport and enjoy it for what it is, having fun."

As for what's next? Kat is back training for her next competition in two weeks time, but she adds, "I'd love to make the team again for next year in the USA, as for long term goals, I'm campaigning to get gymnastics added to the World Masters Games so that would be amazing opportunity to compete if this did happen". The World Masters Games in 2025 is scheduled to take place in Taipei. Click here to support Kat's campaign

We wish Kat the best of luck for her next compeition and campaigning.