A GYMNAST described as a “fantastic role model” has been nominated for Young Sports Personality of the Year in the South Wales Argus Sports Awards.

Amy Oliver is only 11 but has already achieved so much in the sport, with four years in the Wales squad under her belt and the last two as part of the British Home Nations set-up.

Having started her gymnastics career at the Crumlin-based Valleys Gymnastics Academy, the youngster now trains full-time with the Welsh academy in Cardiff. And 2017 has been a year to remember for Oliver, who is coached in the Welsh capital by Olivia Bryl and Tracey Skirton.

One of the highlights was representing her country in an international competition in France, while she also travelled abroad to a number of training camps.

She emerged as the fourth best 11-year-old in Britain after scores from the spring’s compulsory and autumn’s voluntary championships were combined.

That was a three-place improvement on 2016 when Oliver finished seventh out of all the 10 year olds in the British Isles.

Melissa Anderson, head coach and director of Valleys Gymnastics Academy, nominated Oliver for the young personality award.

Commenting on the young star, she said: “Amy is a fantastic role model.

“Although she is young, she sets a fantastic example for her younger peers and is dedicated and fastidious in all that she does.

“Amy is a gold ambassador for Sport Caerphilly. She also volunteers as a runner at Welsh competitions on a regular basis, thus giving something back to the sport and setting a great example for other gymnasts.

“Amy demonstrates exceptional commitment to her sport and trains approximately 25 hours per week, and has done this since the age of eight.

“She travels to Lilleshall National Sports and Conferencing Centre regularly for British squad training.”

Oliver’s other achievements this year include finishing third overall (first on bars and second on beam) at the Quatro Cup.

While she also placed sixth overall in the 12/13 years category in the British Combined Championships, clinching third on the bars and beam.

For a full explanation of each category of the South Wales Argus Sports Awards visit southwalesargus.co.uk/sportsawards Nominations close at 5pm on January 19, 2018.