Charlie Harvey-Lloyd, a former student of St Joseph’s College, Ipswich, is a dedicated gymnast and member of the English National Squad, training at Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club. His journey in the sport began at the age of four, and despite facing setbacks, most notably a stress fracture in his back as a GB squad junior in 2021, his determination has never wavered.
“Gymnastics and Pipers Vale has become a special part of my life. I have made a second family for which I am entirely grateful. They have played an integral part in my development not only as a gymnast but as an individual.”
2024 marked Charlie’s debut as a senior gymnast, competing in the British Championships in Liverpool. He finished 15th all-around and secured a spot in the High Bar final. “Performing alongside Olympian Max Whitlock MBE and other top Olympic standard gymnasts was amazing,” he recalls. Later that year, he proudly represented England at the Northern European Championships in Dublin.
Charlie credits his grandad as a huge influence on his career and remains focused on his long-term goals. Looking ahead, he will compete in the English Championships in Telford on March 2nd, followed by the British Championships in Liverpool on March 15th.
“Making a final and competing against some of the best in the Country at the English and British and representing England at the Northern Europeans was a huge honour. An honour many first-year seniors do not get to do. These experiences have provided me with a pivotal stepping stone into the world of senior gymnastics. I cannot wait to compete in the next series of Championships this March and to see what improvements can be made from last year.
As a high-performance gymnast, the 2028 LA Games is not something unreachable as it has always been a lifetime goal of mine and what I have aspired to do since a young age. I am just taking it one competition at a time and ensuring my body is at a peak level of performance to give myself the best opportunity possible.”
Charlie knows the path ahead requires relentless training, disciplined recovery, and financial investment—approximately £10,000 per year for kit, travel, and training. Funding and sponsorship are a constant challenge. This is where Ipswich law firm, Prettys, is able to help as beyond gymnastics, Charlie is also pursuing a future in law. Charlie is currently on a six-month contract with Prettys, which has been recently extended another 6 months working alongside Partner Emma Woollard in the Estates Department. “Working at Prettys helps fund my training and entry into upcoming championships, while also giving me valuable hands-on experience in a law firm, which is igniting a spark and passion within the profession. I am very fortunate to be working with a top local firm like Prettys and I am eager to start working towards my legal qualifications with the same tenacity and skills, which I have learned during my gymnastics career.”
Prettys Solicitors is very proud to support Charlie. COO, Lynn MacDonald “We share in the excitement and will be cheering Charlie on in March. We wish him well both in his gymnastics and a future career in law.”
