As we have reported over the past year Lani Dacey had reached the Nationals Finals to be held in Birmingham. On Saturday and Sunday, 6th and 7th of July Lani arrived ready to face her toughest competition so far.
She had stayed over on the Friday night to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the UK. Some of the members from Bradwell TC, now City of S-O-T TC travelled down to support both Lani and her coach Diane. Both have been working hard and this was going to show if the hard workied had payed off.
It started of fairly well with most of the competitors completing their routines. Lani was on 27th out of 30 and after her set routine was lying in 9th place! With her voluntary routine to go she needed to remain in the top 10 to return for the finals held on Sunday. Lani was very composed and both herself and Diane paced themselves throughout the days events. Lani completed her vol and found herself lying in 7th place. Her set and vol scored her mid 8's with a tariff of 7.4!
On Sunday Lani returned hoping that she could maintain her 7th position and not slip down. With only one routine left to complete she had to compose herself and maintain a steady balance. Each competitor was introduced and the competition began. She performed brilliantly with huge cheers from Bradwell sounding around the arena! Lani then marched on to recieve her well deserved 7th place. Lani hopes next year to be standing on the rostrum as she remains in the same age group for another year as many of the others progress to the under 15 category.
Well done to Lani, her coach Diane, and all of their families and supporters who remained there for both days keeping their spirits high!
Pictured below is the scene from the National finals 2001 which took place in the NEC, Birmingham.