The most serious competition for volleyball comes from the famously huggy sport of gymnastics.

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Others being appointed MBEs are Elizabeth Milburn, from West Suffolk College, for services to further education and the community, Susan Tamlyn, for heritage work and Andrew Wood, manager and head coach at Ipswich Gymnastics Centre, for sport.

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Her competitive spirit aside, Spilger loved being a part of a team versus in gymnastics, which was an independent sport.

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Whitehead tried every sport he could including archery, swimming, cricket, gymnastics, canoeing, track and field and sledge hockey.

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Gymnastics leaders have been hoping to put behind them a cloud that has hung over the sport.

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