Welcome to the official website of Hannah Whelan, Britain's rising star in Women's Artistic Gymnastics. This website is a glimpse into the life of Hannah and her love and dedication for gymnastics. Read how Hannah got into gymnastics, what she has achieved so far, and where she is aiming to be, plus take a look through her photos to see her both in and out of the gym. If you would like to leave Hannah a supportive message you can go to her Guestbook, which she looks at regularly. She loves hearing from her fans!
Hannah was born in Singapore on the 1st July 1992 and now lives in Stockport, near Manchester, in Great Britain.
At the age of six, after constantly performing cartwheels around the house and Tesco, she finally persuaded her Mum to take her to Bramhall Recreation Centre, where she was immediately spotted as a talent. She was then scouted by a higher level coach, who thought she should join South Manchester Gymnastics Club.
Hannah moved to America in 1999, and carried on her training at Flips Gymnastics Academy in Houston, Texas. After moving back to the UK when she was eight, she followed her first coach, Helen Hall, to Central Manchester Gymnastics Club. In 2002 she again followed her coach to Vernon Park in Bredbury, where she started training with Barry McLaughlin. Hannah started competing nationally and in 2006 she moved to the City of Liverpool Gym Club to be coached by Sarah Atwell. Hannah was now training 25 hours a week and after competing for GB in the 2008 Beijing Olympics she started training with coach Amanda Kirby for around 30 hours a week. Her training partners include Beth Tweddle, Jennifer Pinches and Anna Stubbs.
Hannah's favourite piece is Beam but she also loves performing Floor. On the former Hannah shows outstanding balance and agility, whilst on the latter she exudes an elegance and rhythm.
Hannah lives at home with her parents and has a brother, Robert, 23, and a sister, Sophie, 20, who is just finishing her third year at John Moore’s University, in Liverpool.
Outside of gym she likes shopping, going to the cinema, chatting on Facebook and just hanging out with friends.
She loves watching films (her favourites being 'He's Just Not That Into You' and 'Mama Mia'), TV programmes (particular favourites being 'One Tree Hill' and 'Friends'), and her favourite foods include Chilli Con Carne and Ice Cream!
