Kara Hare leaps to RG Gold (31st October, 2005)

The Rhythmic Gymnastics International event held in Bangor, Northern Ireland saw top gymnasts perform from around Europe including Estonia, Russia, Latvia, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. (Oct 29-30). Run every four years, the elite international gives gymnasts such as Kara Hare (Northern Ireland) prime opportunity to impress the judges for selection for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

For 17 year old Kara, a talent for rhythmic gymnastics runs in the family as her sister Kristina competed in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Over the summer, Kara received training by Russian coach Marina Kouchinskaya and choreographer Tatiana Bolomania. This year has already been successful for Kara, having finished fourth at the Mol International in Belgium and she picked up a bronze medal at the Scottish Open and she also competed in the Slovenian and Norwegian Opens in recent months.

Coach Valerie Dougan, believes it is Kara’s determination that will ultimately see her succeed even more. Kara picked up gold in the senior all around against stiff competition from the dynamic Jessica Bolton from Wales who competed at last years Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo, Australia.

Kara’s elegant performances also earned her gold on rope, ball and clubs and a silver in ribbon. In the junior section, Rebecca Blair is making good strides to emulate fellow Northern Ireland star, Kara as she picked up a silver in the ribbon final.

Bangor Castle International Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition

Senor Overall
1. Kara Hare (Northern Ireland)
2. Jessica Bolton (Wales)
3. Karolina Nauckunaite (Lithuania)

Junior Overall
1. Sally Davis (Wales)
2. Annika Vahter (Estonia)
3. Tatjana Pissareva (Estonia)

Under 12
1. Linzi Eckley (Wales)
2. Annabel Jones (Wales)
3. Naomi Doherty (Ireland)

Under 10
1 Mari Liis Simon (Estonia)
2. Rachel Maguire (Wales)
3. Nika Nedoseikina (Estonia)