After twelve years on the Welsh Gymnastics Board of Directors, including five years as Chair, Bev Smith, will step down from her role at the end of March 2025. Throughout her tenure, Bev has been an influential force in guiding Welsh Gymnastics, drawing on her extensive background in coaching, education, and sport development to help set strategic priorities and ensure that the organisation’s resources effectively support its goals.
Reflecting on her time at Welsh Gymnastics, Bev shared: ‘It might be stating the obvious, but in a devolved administration, Welsh Gymnastics exists to govern our sport in Wales. I can say, without fear of contradiction, that our Board, together with our very talented and dedicated staff, are driven by a powerful desire to develop the sport of gymnastics in Wales, and to serve our clubs and members to the very best of our ability.’
Bev’s connection to gymnastics is lifelong and remarkable. She began her career as a competitive gymnast, training at Cardiff Olympic and representing both Wales and Great Britain in Women’s Artistic gymnastics. As her competitive days came to a close, Bev naturally transitioned into coaching and judging, while also teaching physical education in Cardiff. She was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, which enabled her to study gymnastics coaching in the USSR and USA—a valuable experience that shaped her later work as the Women’s Artistic National Coach for Wales and as an international Brevet judge.
Bev’s leadership has made a lasting impact beyond competition and coaching. She served as Technical Director of Welsh Gymnastics, managed sports initiatives at Cardiff Council, and enjoyed a successful career in higher education at Cardiff Metropolitan University, retiring as the Dean of Quality and Standards. As Chair of Welsh Gymnastics, Bev steered the organisation through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, while advancing gymnastics growth across Wales and establishing strong governance foundations for the future.
Bev continued, ‘My love affair with gymnastics began when I walked through the doors of Cardiff Central GC back in 1969. A spark was lit, and since then I have enjoyed a near lifetime connected in one way or another with Welsh Gymnastics: as a club and international gymnast, club and national coach, international judge, development officer, interim CEO, board member, and Chair. It has been a privilege and a pleasure, and I will always be grateful to the coaches, administrators, and the wider ‘gymnastics family’ for your hard work, determination, and dedication. I will be leaving Welsh Gymnastics in good shape and in very good hands.’
‘It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Bev. Her leadership, passion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on Welsh Gymnastics, and her impact will be felt for years to come. As Bev steps down, we look forward to announcing her successor in the coming weeks, whose responsibility it will be to lead the next chapter of Welsh Gymnastics development’ said Victoria Ward, CEO.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bev Smith for her exceptional dedication and tireless contributions to our sport. Her vision and unwavering commitment have inspired countless individuals and strengthened our community, and we will forever be grateful for all she has done. We wish her every success and happiness in the future. Thank you, Bev.