Sunday, May 20, 2012

Thoughts on the olympic team after the first trial

Beth Tweddle and new double-European bronze medallist Hannah Whelan sat out the first olympic trial today in Guildford. However, they are safe in the knowledge that their places on the team are assured if injuries don't get the better of them between now and then.

So, based on today's trial, who would the other 3 gymnasts on the team be?

Rebecca Tunney asserted herself as the top all-arounder with a strong performance to score. 56.55

I've said before GB ideally needs 3 all arounders and another gymnast to fill in where Beth won't compete. With Beth's knee injury it is not actually known whether she will compete floor exercise at the games.

The next all-arounders who have definitely thrown their names into the pot are Danusia Francis, Ruby Harrold and Imogen Cairns.

2008 olympian Marissa King also made a respectable return on vault, beam and floor (so exactly the events GB is looking to fill. Her beam score of 12.65 let her down somewhat, falling on a double arabian. King has a month until the second trial to add the rest of her elite difficulty back into the routine.

Nottingham's Becky Downie and Niamh Rippin both made strong cases on 2 events. Downie said on twitter she does have a double-twisting yurchenko in the works, although she didnt compete it today.

So, in terms of team prediction: I'm still not sure! Tunney and Francis have probably earned their spot (particularly if they stay consistent at the next trial) but the final place on the team is still wide open. Jennifer Pinches, Harrold, Downie, Rippin and King will have to fight it out at the British Champs in Liverpool!

Who would you pick? -please comment!

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