British Army gymnast shines across multiple disciplines
In a sport where precision meets power and artistry must complement athleticism, one name stood out at this year’s Adult Gymnastics British Championships 2025 - Spr Popadyak, a Royal Navy gymnast and a serving member of the British Army from Solihull.
Competing with poise, strength, and undeniable flair, Popadyak delivered a career-defining performance, securing three individual national titles and two gold team medals across an extraordinary range of disciplines. Representing the Royal Navy Gymnastics Team, she soared above expectations in a competition that brought together the best of British adult gymnasts.
A Multi-Discipline Masterclass
Over the course of a tightly scheduled weekend, Popadyak demonstrated exceptional versatility and control across events:
Tumbling – Intermediate (18–39 age group)
Trampoline – Introductory (30+ age group)
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics – Pro Level (30+ age group)
Each of these events requires a unique mix of strength, timing, and technical mastery. While some gymnasts focus on one discipline, Popadyak ability to transition between the explosive speed of tumbling, the air awareness of trampoline, and the technical finesse of artistic gymnastics is a rare achievement—even among seasoned competitors.
“I’m proud of what I achieved this weekend,” Popadyak said, reflecting after the awards ceremony. “To stand on top of the podium in three different disciplines—it’s more than I could have hoped for. I’m grateful for the team around me and The Royal Navy Gymnastics Association that allows us to pursue excellence.”
Team Success and Military Pride
While her individual results were dazzling, Popadyak also played a key role in her team’s success. Alongside her Royal Navy teammates, she helped secure two gold team medals—one in tumbling, the other in trampoline.
These achievements are more than just medals—they reflect the deep sense of discipline, teamwork, and mental resilience that military athletes bring to civilian competition.
“There’s something special about competing with a team that understands the challenges of military life,” Popadyak added. “We train hard, support each other, and represent something bigger than ourselves.”
A Story of Dedication
Spr Popadyak journey to this championship podium hasn’t been without obstacles. Balancing the demands of military service with high-level athletic training is no small task. Early mornings, late-night training sessions, and time spent away from family and base are all part of the deal.
Yet, her performance in 2025 proves that with determination, support, and a relentless work ethic, it’s possible to excel in both service and sport.
A Star on the Rise
With eyes now turning toward future competitions and potentially international military sports events, Spr Popadyak is a name to watch. Her story is one of not just medals, but military excellence, resilience, and inspiration.
She is proof that when service and sport combine, the result can be nothing short of extraordinary.
SPOTLIGHT STATS – 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
Event Result Division
Tumbling Gold Intermediate (18–39)
Trampoline Gold Introductory (30+)
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Gold Pro Level (30+)
Team 1 Tumbling Gold the Royal Navy Gymnastics
Team 1 Trampoline Gold the Royal Navy Gymnastics
Serving Strong — Across Military Boundaries
As a British Army soldier serving in the Royal Militia Royal Engineers, Spr Popadyak embodies what it means to be a military athlete. Yet her uniform on the competition floor proudly bore the insignia of the Royal Navy Gymnastics Team—a detail that often surprises those unfamiliar with the Inter-Service sports structure.
“People always ask why I’m in the Royal Navy team if I’m Army,” Popadyak laughs. “It’s actually quite common in military sport—teams are based on who’s actively developing the sport and where the opportunities exist.”
In this case, the Royal Navy currently operates the only formal Armed Forces gymnastics team, open to all tri-service personnel. Thanks to inter-service cooperation and shared values, serving members from the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy can be selected to represent whichever military team is leading that sport at national level.
“The Navy team welcomed me in, supported my training, and gave me the platform to compete,” she adds. “It doesn’t matter what service you come from—we're one team once the leotards go on.”
This cooperative structure reflects the Armed Forces' commitment to providing opportunities for elite sport across all branches, especially in disciplines like gymnastics that are still growing within the military community.
“It’s an honour to represent both the British Army and the Royal Navy Gymnastics Team,” said Popadyak. “These results reflect the hard work of everyone involved and the unique camaraderie that comes with competing as part of the military sporting community.”
As the dust settles on another incredible championship, Sapper Popadyak stands as a shining example of how service personnel continue to excel—both in uniform and on the competition floor.
