There is no obligation to compete, but for those who are interested there are lots of friendly competitions over the year which give you the chance to travel and compete across the country! There are competitions for all levels, including competitions on all four women’s and all six men’s apparatus.
CUPPERS
Every Michaelmas term we hold a Cuppers match where anyone can compete to win points for their college – the college with the most points at the end of the competition becomes Cuppers champion (lots of kudos + yes, you do get a cup!).
It’s really fun and relaxed, with both beginners and advanced categories, so encourage all your friends to come and join in – you get points just for taking part!
CLUB APPARATUS COMPETITION
This is a new, informal club competition for beginners to try their hand at competing on some of the other apparatus aside from floor and vault. Every face in this competition is a friendly face including the judges. You’ll be able to join in with lots of structured workshops to practise your routines before the competition and the event itself serves as great preparation for those interested in competing at Varsity the following term. Its also a rare opportunity for the ladies to compete on the men’s apparatus (pommel horse, rings, parallel bars, high bar) and for the gents to have a go on the balance beam and uneven bars!
BUCS GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The BUCS Gymnastics Championships in Leicester, organised by the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) governing body is an annual Hilary term event that gives gymnasts from all universities the opportunity to compete against each other.
There are various levels from beginner, which involves competing on floor and vault, right up to the incredibly competitive elite level 1 category where gymnasts compete on all apparatus. Depending on interest, we are sometimes able to enter gymnasts as part of a team. Even if you don’t want to compete, it’s a great event to sit and marvel at some really superb gymnastics!
VARSITY
Towards the end of Hilary term, Oxford and Cambridge gymnastics clubs meet for the much anticipated annual Varsity Match. We aim to enter four teams (Men’s A, Women’s A, Men’s B, Women’s B) with each team led by a captain who will support the team in the run up to the competition by organising group training and helping put routines together. The location alternates each year between Oxford and Cambridge. We have a great relationship with the Cambridge gymnasts and the judges are incredibly friendly. It’s tradition to round off the highlight event of the year with a post-varsity meal and social ❤
If you would like to find out more about competing for OUGym, please contact the Men’s Captain or Women’s Captain (contact details here).
Oxford University Gymnastics Club 