Meet The Team
The Olympus Team
Julie Edwards
Director of Olympus Gymnastics Club, Head Coach of Women’s Artistic & Safeguarding Officer.
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Qualifications
Level 4 Senior Club Coach in Women's Artistic
Level 3 Men's Artistic Coach
Level 3 Pre-school Coach
Disabilities Coach
Women's Artistic National Judge
Women's Artistic Judging convenor for North Wales
Men's Artistic Regional Judge
Women's Technical Committee member for Welsh Gymnastics
British Gymnastics Tutor
Certified in Safeguarding and Protecting Children
First Aider
Full DBS
Award of Merit with British Gymnastics
Club safe guarding and well being officer
About Me
Julie was a gymnast herself, starting at the age of 6. Julie was Wrexham’s first Welsh Artistic Gymnastics Champion gaining this title in the under 10’s, under 12’s and Under 14’s Categories. Competing for Wales on a number of occasions Julie also became the British School Champion. Alongside her training Julie started coaching at the young age of 12.
Fun Fact
The only time you will ever see Julie wearing trainers, is when its raining, she just loves wearing flip-flops!
Paul Edwards
Head Coach, Director of Olympus Gymnastics Club & Technical Director of Coaching
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Qualifications
High Performance Coach in Men's Artistic
Level 4 Senior Club Coach in Women's Artistic
Men's Artistic Brevet Judge (1 of only 3 in Wales)
British Gymnastics Tutor and Assessor
Head of Delegation for British Gymnastics
Certified in Safe Guarding and Protecting Children
First Aider
Full DBS
Award of Merit with British Gymnastics
About Me
Paul started gymnastics at the age of 11, he was a member of the Great British Squad and competed internationally as a Junior. Paul officiated for the England in 2002 at the Commonwealth Games, also judging at the games in 2010, 2014 and 2018. He has produced 3 senior gymnasts and 3 Junior gymnasts who have competed at the Commonwealth Games also one at the World student games. He judges for Great Britain, including 4 European Championships and numerous World Cups and also for Wales including 4 Commonwealth Games.
Fun Fact
Paul is often referred to as the Grinch, as much as he complains about Christmas, he secretly loves it!
Laura Edwards
Club Manager & Head of Junior Girls Development
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Qualifications
Level 4 Women’s Artistic Coach
Level 2 Men’s Artistic Coach
Women's Artistic National Judge
Disabilities Coach
First Aid Trained
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
Welsh & British Gymnastics Tutor
Fire Safety Marshal
About Me
A former gymnast herself, Laura began coaching at the age of 14 and found her passion for the sport. She has led sessions for the North Area Development Women’s Artistic Squad and judges nationally.
Fun Fact
Laura has a BA (Hons) in Interior Design and once performed in front of the Queen doing cheerleading!
James Barley
Coach & Head of Men’s Artistic
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Qualifications
High Performance Level 5 Men’s Artistic Coach
Level 3 DMT Coach
Level 2 Trampoline Coach
Pre-school Coach
Level 1 Women’s Artistic Coach
National Judge
Equality in Coaching Certified
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
Fire Safety Marshal & Lead Fire Safety Co-ordinator
First Aid Trained
NVQ Level 3 in Sports Leadership
About Me
James began as a gymnast at Buckley before becoming Deputy Head Coach at Plymouth Gymnastics Club in 2008, where he helped two gymnasts win medals at a national competition. In 2018, he joined Huntington Gymnastics Club, working with national and international gymnasts, before returning to Wales and joining Olympus in 2025.
Fun Fact
James has worked alongside sports psychologists and has even been published in academic papers!
Ahmed Al Dulaimi
Recreational & Men’s Artistic Development Coach
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Qualifications
Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Men’s Artistic
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
Fire Safety Marshal
First Aid for Sport Certified
BA (Hons) in Childhood Welfare and Education
BA in Physical Education
About Me
Ahmed has over 20 years of gymnastics experience, competing at an elite level for his national team. He has participated in national and international competitions, including the World Championships in Qatar in 2012. With over 10 years of coaching experience, Ahmed has worked with both adults and children at various levels.
Fun Fact
When nervous, Ahmed starts laughing to calm his nerves!
Charlotte Bell (Lottie)
Development & Recreational Coach
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Qualifications
Level 1 Women’s Artistic Coach
Women’s Artistic Club Judge
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
About Me
Lottie has been part of Olympus since she was five years old. She has achieved many milestones, including a bronze medal at the British NDP Final and helping Team Wales to a gold medal. Lottie began coaching at Olympus when she was 16.
Fun Fact
Lottie once competed for her school in triple jump and didn’t even make it to the sand pit!
Kirsty Larrett
Lead Safeguarding & Well-being Officer, Admin & Fundraising Co-ordinator
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Qualifications
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
Welfare Officer Training: Time to Listen
Level 1 Food Hygiene & Safety
Duty to Care Badge
First Aid at Work & Paediatric First Aid Trained
Fire Safety Marshal
Safeguarding Children in Gymnastics Certified
About Me
Kirsty first came to Olympus when her son began training here 11 years ago. She started by helping with the tuck shop and fundraising, later taking on the role of Lead Safeguarding & Well-being Officer.
Fun Fact
As well as working in a school as a teaching assistant, Kirsty is a choreographer and teaches dance on Saturdays!
Craig Jones
Volunteer Recreational Coach
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Qualifications
Level 2 Women’s Artistic Coach
Level 2 Men’s Artistic Coach
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
First Aid Trained
About Me
Craig was a gymnast in his youth, competing at various regional competitions. In 2018, he became the British Adults Gymnastics Champion.
Fun Fact
Most people don’t realise Craig is a volunteer — his day job is Head of Data Consultancy.
Jacob Edwards
Recreational & Development Coach
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Qualifications
Regional Men’s Artistic Judge
Level 1 Men’s Artistic Coach
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
About Me
Jacob is an elite gymnast who has trained at Olympus since childhood. He competed in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, becoming the youngest Welsh gymnast to finish in the top 10. He currently trains at Birmingham Gymnastics Club while at university and helps coach when home. His achievements include British Silver Medallist in the Masters Floor Final at the 2025 British Championships and Men’s Welsh Senior All-Around Champion 2025.
Fun Fact
Jacob loves Pokémon and pizza!
Kirstin Clark
Volunteer Women’s Artistic Coach
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Qualifications
Level 2 Women’s Artistic Coach
Women’s Artistic Regional Judge
Qualified First Aider
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
About Me
Kirstin joined Olympus when it opened in Llay in April 2013, when her daughter began training. A year later, she started volunteering as a coach alongside her full-time work as a nurse.
Fun Fact
Kirstin lives in Conwy and still volunteers at Olympus despite her daughter no longer training here — that’s dedication!
Sophie Lee
Recreational Coach
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Qualifications
Level 1 Women’s Artistic Coach
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certified
Degree in Sports & Exercise Science
About Me
Sophie began gymnastics at Olympus at age 10. She started coaching at 14 as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award and has continued ever since.
Fun Fact
Sophie once appeared in a TV advert about litter picking in Wrexham.
Olly Edwards
Club Mascot
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Qualifications
BSc (Hons) in Dog Welfare & Human Walking
About Me
Olly has been a vital member of the club since he was a puppy. He loves watching the gymnasts hard at work and being part of the team spirit.
Fun Fact
Olly has the best box splits in the gym!
Join The Team
We’re always looking for passionate, dedicated people to be part of Olympus Gymnastics Club. Whether you’re an experienced coach, a trainee looking to develop your skills, or a volunteer who loves working with children, we’d love to hear from you.
At Olympus, you’ll be part of a supportive, friendly team that’s committed to helping gymnasts of all ages and abilities achieve their best. We offer training opportunities, a great working environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
Get in touch today to find out how you can get involved.
