Hello! I am Riley Simmonds, often known as Roo. I was born on January 1, 2009, which made me the first baby to be born in the UK that year. Today, I’m a 14-year-old elite level 4 gymnast who is making significant strides not just regionally, but also nationally.
Although I was born with a birthmark on my cheek and was subjected to bullying in school and at the gym, these obstacles never hindered my passion for gymnastics. Instead, they fueled my desire to spread kindness and awareness about anti-bullying initiatives. My efforts were recognized by Bristol Live, which featured my story (you can read more about it here: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/meet-inspirational-bristol-gymnast-using-6233629).
My family, comprising my Mum, Dad, and elder brother, have been my pillars of support throughout this journey. They’ve been there for me as I’ve scaled heights in gymnastics, achieving several notable victories such as the Underage Southwest Champion, Elite Level 1 and 2 Southwest Champion, and securing first place at the Southwest Festival in 2018 and 2019. My skills have also been recognized at the National Competition, where I secured 17th place overall in Elite Level 1 in 2018 and 11th place in Elite Level 2 in 2019.
Beyond gymnastics, I’m a typical teenager. I love music, enjoy spending time with friends, and take pride in participating in charity work and advocacy.
My journey has garnered a significant online presence, with over 128,000 followers on Instagram and 77,000 followers on Facebook. It all started in 2016 when my parents began sharing videos and photos of my competitions. As I started winning more, my fan base grew, particularly among the sports community.
In 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to feature in a Nike photoshoot for SportsDirect.com. This exposure led to collaborations with various brands, allowing me to represent a range of products from gymnastics accessories and clothing to toys and nutritional supplements for young athletes.
Despite these achievements, my ultimate goal is not fame or success. My mission is to inspire and motivate children to stay active, be kind, and pursue their passions. This message resonates strongly with my followers, and it’s this message that I’m committed to spreading as I continue my journey through the world of gymnastics.
You can find my media kit here: Media Kit