The Elite Gymnastics Facility in England, home training center to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Bronze medalists, was gutted by fire on Thursday morning, leaving the decades-old property in jeopardy.

As per BBC reports, the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service sent a seven-member team to the Lynx Gymnastics Center in Rabans Close, Aylesbury, after an intense morning fire gutted the place just before 9 AM (BST).

The emergency services had put several road closures around the gym and industrial sites to facilitate rescue operations. As the heavy plumes of smoke rose in the facility, the local residents and workers were advised by the authorities to keep all the windows and doors closed.

The center had served the regional athletic community since 1986. According to official records, the facility served as a training center for more than a thousand members, ranging from preschoolers and school-aged children to competitive gymnasts.

It was also the primary center where twin sisters Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, representing Great Britain, trained.

The firefighters have reported the scene to the BBC, informing that the structure has been partially destroyed by the fire. 27-year-old Cameron Sinclair, who works at a neighboring window installation business, was a firsthand witness to the rapid escalation.

Initially, he took the white smoke as simple flares just before 9 AM, but by the time he managed to walk across the road, the entire structure had been engulfed in fire.

“It's devastating news,” said Nathan Ing, the owner of the window business, whose children had grown up training in the facility.

"I think a lot of people in Aylesbury will be very disappointed to hear that Lynx Gym has gone,” he said.

Dave Tubbs, the commander from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service group, informed about the involvement of nine fire crews and specialist units were called for the rescue operation.

“It's been a significant fire with significant damage,” he said, adding that the fire was out by late morning and crews had been scaled back. “We will be here for a significant time to make sure it's safe.”

Tubbs also confirmed that there were no injuries. A formal investigation is now underway to find the cause of the destruction.

The Gadirova Sisters Response

After the devastating incident took place at Lynx Gymnastics Center, the Olympic bronze medalists, Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, expressed their shock.

“We are still in disbelief that the gym we call home has been destroyed. By spreading the word and donating where possible, it helps so many in this difficult time! Even the smallest amount makes a huge difference!”, they said.

Another fellow NCAA gymnast, Ondine Achampong, said in a statement to Gymnastics Now, “The people and the place have been my second family and home. I’ve spent so many hours here with the people I love, and to see it like this is heartbreaking.”

A GoFundMe page was launched on May 8 to raise funds to support the Lynx Gymnastics Center with a goal of raising £28,000. A whopping progress of £20,038* has been made up till now.

The twins are currently recovering from injuries, with Jessica suffering an ACL tear and Jennifer having undergone ankle surgery.

But both are showing their support through the difficult time, sharing the fundraiser, and trying to rebuild the place they call "home.”

*This was the figure at the time of writing, with the sum expected to change.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit