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Fire breaks out at gym used by Olympic medallists

Alex Pope,in Aylesburyand
Danny Fullbrook

Fire crews have been tackling a blaze at a gymnastics centre that has produced Olympic medal-winning gymnasts.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service sent seven crews to Lynx Gymnastics Centre in Rabans Close, Aylesbury, after flames took hold just before 09:00 BST.

Twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, who won bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, have previously trained at the centre.

Closures had been put in place on roads surrounding the gym, which the fire service warned could affect access to the industrial site.

News imageSplash Blinds Aylesbury A crowd of people gather on a grassy bank as they watch a grey building with orange flames on the roof. A large plume of dark smoke is rising into the blue sky. Splash Blinds Aylesbury
The gymnastics centre has been used by the medal-winning Gadirova twins

People living and working nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed to avoid the smoke.

The centre was founded in 1986, and on its website, it said it supported more than 1,000 members, including pre-schoolers, school-aged children and competitive gymnasts.

News imagePA Media The Gadirova twins are dressed in red and blue leotards and holding the union flag behind them at the World Gymnastics Championship.PA Media
Jennifer (left) and Jessica (right) have trained at Lynx Gymnastics Centre

Firefighters at the scene told the BBC the building had been partly destroyed by the fire.

Cameron Sinclair works at a window installation business opposite the gym and noticed white smoke coming from the building shortly before 09:00.

"When I first saw it, I thought someone just let off, like, a smoke flare or something like that," said the 27-year-old.

"By the time we walked over the road, everything was just engulfed."

News imageAlex Pope/BBC A man with short brown hair and a black polo shirt is stood in front of a burnt building with a fire engine parked in the background.Alex Pope/BBC
Witness Cameron Sinclair said the fire quickly escalated

The owner of the window business, Nathan Ing, said his children had used the centre when growing up.

"It's devastating news," said Ing.

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

News imageAlex Pope/BBC A man wearing a zipped jumper is stood on a closed road with fire engines parked behind him.Alex Pope/BBC
Business owner Nathan Ing hopes the gym finds new premises quickly

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service group commander Dave Tubbs said at the height of the blaze, nine fire crews were called to the scene as well as specialist units.

"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."

He confirmed there were no injuries and an investigation into the cause would now take place.

News imageAlex Pope/BBC A firefighter, wearing a brown uniform, with a helmet, standing by a building, with grass banks behind him. A tree and several buildings are behind him. Alex Pope/BBC
Group commander Dave Tubbs thanked the local community for working with them and coping well with the road closures

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