Credit: Western Daily Press
This week I have been blown away with the fantastic performances from inside the SSE Hydro Arena from the Gymnastics during the Commonwealth Games. After the Olympics had taken place I was slightly concerned for the sport as we had done exceptionally well and then two of our main gymnasts; Beth Tweddle and Louis Smith were to retire. Little did we all know that in the background we had some impeccable talent waiting to shine through onto the senior level and the Commonwealth Games would be their time to prove to the nation what they have got under their belt.
With the likes of 21 year old Max Whitlock achieving 3 gold medals in the Men's Floor Final, Men's All-around Final and Men's Team Final, silver in the Pommel Horse Final and a bronze in the Parallel Bar's Final for England. But, the star of the competition has to be 16 year old Claudia Fragapane who on her first time competing at senior level is the first female since 1982 to get four gold medals in one Commonwealth Games and definitely one to watch out for in the future.
Not forgetting Dan Keatings taking gold for Scotland on the Pommel Horse, Frank Baines achieving Silver in Men's All- round final for Scotland and Daniel Purvis.
These individuals are very strong, feisty and powerful athlete, it is amazing how much time, effort and dedication they put into their training. It is not all about prancing around on the floor, every move is complex and precision and concentration is key, there is no room for mistakes. If they fall off an apparatus they get back up, no rolling around on the floor and continue with their routine to fight for their place on the podium.
From the second the gymnasts walked out into the arena on the first days of competitions right until the final gold medal was given out I was hooked. It really is amazing to see, learn and cheer on a sport which is not always in the spotlight and can be forgotten about once the major events like the Nationals, Olympics and Commonwealth Games are over.
I am very proud of our gymnasts from our home nation, they have done us proud with 26 out of the 39 medals being won by England, Scotland and Wales which is fantastic when the athletes join together to make Great Britain at the Nationals and then the 2016 Olympics in Rio. I hope that this sport will find some dominance amongst the likes of Football, Rugby, Cricket and Tennis. Certainly, myself will be keeping a closer eye on gymnastics more often.
A massive congratulations to all the gymnasts in the games!!
Twitter: @alice_stoker
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