Fire destroys Lynx Gymnastics in Aylesbury, home of Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova

Lynx Gymnastics in Aylesbury, England – home of British Olympians Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova and current NCAA gymnast Ondine Achampong – has been devastated by a fire that broke out at the facility on Thursday morning.

According to the BBC, at least seven fire and rescue crews were sent to the facility after smoke was seen at the facility just before 9 a.m. yesterday.

Now, the gym is faced with rebuilding and, in the meantime, finding a home(s) for the gymnasts that train there, including the Gadirovas, who said a temporary goodbye in an Instagram post on Friday – “This is goodbye for now.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to support Lynx Gymnastics, with the goal of raising £16,000.

“Following the devastating fire that has severely damaged our facility, we are now facing the enormous challenge of getting back on our feet, supporting our community in the immediate future, and rebuilding for the long term,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Funds raised will help provide temporary training facilities, support relocated athletes, cover urgent recovery costs, and help secure the future of Lynx for generations to come.”

The Gadirovas shared the fundraiser, saying, “We are still in disbelief that our 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!”

“From the first day I started at Lynx Gym it’s not just been about gymnastics,” 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.”