Harry George Owen
| Harry George Owen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 6, 1993 Tenby, Wales |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lb) |
| Discipline | Men’s Artistic Gymnastics |
| Level | Senior International |
| Club |
|
 | |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Citizenship | Wales |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1999-2015 |
| Awards |
|
Harry George Owen (born October 6, 1993) is a former Welsh artistic gymnast renowned for his significant career from 2004 to 2015, earning acclaim for his contributions on both national and international platforms.[1][2]
Owen's post-gymnastics journey has seen him become an integral part of the Cirque du Soleil, lending his talents to productions including "VOLTA" in 2016 and "TOTEM" in 2019. Showcasing his artistic capabilities, Owen has also appeared on prominent television programs, notably the BBC's "Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week" in 2015, his participation in the music video "The Rhythm" by MNEK in 2015, and his presence on the talent show "Tú Sí Que Vales" in 2021.
Early life and gymnastic career
Owen was born and raised in Tenby, Wales.
Owen started his gymnastics career at Milford Haven Gymnastics Club in 1999, followed by tenure at Swansea Gymnastics Club (2000–2010), and later joined the Loughborough University Gymnastics Club (2010–2014). Distinguishing himself in Men's Artistic Gymnastics, Owen competed at the senior international level, representing Wales and various gymnastics clubs.[3]
Owen's accomplishments encompassed a variety of tournaments, resulting in a collection of achievements. Noteworthy among these was his gold medal at the 2011 Northern European Championships (Uppsala, Sweden) in the Team category. He demonstrated consistent prowess at the Welsh National Championships, securing multiple medals in the Individual All-Around event from 2004 to 2014.
Owen received the bronze medal in the Individual All-Around event at the Youth Commonwealth Games in 2011, solidifying his distinction as the only Welsh gymnast to attain such recognition within the competition. His pivotal contribution to Wales' achievement of the fifth position in the 2014 Commonwealth Games further emphasized his significant influence on the field of sport.
Post Gymnastics Career
Owen retired from gymnastics in 2015, marking his transition into entertainment by aligning himself with the prestigious Cirque du Soleil. In this capacity, he notably contributed to productions such as "VOLTA" in 2016 and "TOTEM" in 2019, showcasing his multifaceted talents and artistic expression.[4]
Owen's versatility is evident in his notable appearances on several television platforms. His participation in the BBC's "Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week" in 2015 highlighted his mental and physical prowess alongside other notable personalities. Additionally, Owen's role as a dancer and acrobat in the 2015 music video "The Rhythm" by MNEK further attested to his artistic range.
In 2021, Owen captivated audiences on the renowned talent show "Tú Sí Que Vales." His engagement in the eighth edition of the program showcased his exceptional abilities as he vied for recognition among fellow talents.
Awards and recognitions
| Championship | Medal | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern European Championship | Gold | 2011 | Uppsala, Sweden |
| Welsh National Championships (All-Around) | Gold | 2004-2010 | Cardiff, Wales |
| Youth Commonwealth Games (All-Around) | Bronze | 2011 | Douglas, Isle of Man |
| Commonwealth Games | - | 2014 | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Northern European Championship | Bronze | 2013 | Lisburn, Northern Ireland |
| British National Championship (Pommel Horse) | Gold | 2011 | Stoke-on-Trent |
| British National Championship (All-Around) | Silver | 2011 | Stoke-on-Trent |
| British National Championship (Horizontal Bar) | Silver | 2011 | Stoke-on-Trent |
| British National Championship (Rings) | Silver | 2011 | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Welsh National Championships (All-Around) | Gold/Silver/Bronze | 2004-2014 | Cardiff, Wales |
Personal life
Owen resides in Montreal, Canada, with his wife, Natalie Kakon, whom he married in 2022.
References
- ↑ "Harry Owen". Commonwealth Games Wiki. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ↑ "Harry stars in Celtic Cup". Western Telegraph. 27 February 2006. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ↑ "School in Calne gets visit from Commonwealth medalist". The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald. 21 March 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ↑ Daniels, Tim. "Olympic Men's Gymnastics 2016: Qualification Scores, Results and Reaction". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 14 August 2023.