Gym display sets up date with destiny
Kristian Thomas today dedicated his Olympic display to his family ahead of Team GB's date with destiny.
Kristian Thomas today dedicated his Olympic display to his family ahead of Team GB's date with destiny.
The Wolverhampton ace makes history today when he competes with Great Britain in the team final in London.
It is the first time ever GB men have made a team Olympics gymnastics final after Lilleshall-based Thomas starred as they qualified third on Saturday.
By Nick Mashiter at the Olympics - follow Nick at www.twitter.com/nickmashiter
He finished fifth in the individual rankings and top of the GB squad with 90.256 points, ahead of Dan Purvis on 89.199.
And after years of training at Earls Gymnastics Club and being supported by mum Catherine, dad Peter, brother Ashleigh and sister Rebecca, Thomas insists his biggest achievement is for them.
"It's not just me putting in the hours it's everyone – my family, friends and people from the club," said the 23-year-old, who trains with the national squad at Lilleshall.
"I know everyone from the club and they have supported me right from the start. Michelle Bradley has been my coach since I was five and she was out there in the crowd with my family on Saturday. It's fantastic. They have helped me so much to get here."
Thomas scored consistently with 15.366 on the floor, 14.133 on the pommel horse and 14.566 on the rings.
He also scored an average of 15.983 from his two vaults, 15.366 on the high bar and 14.625 on the parallel bars. But after their amazing showing Thomas insisted GB men must keep cool.
He said: "We can't worry about any of the other countries because they will look after themselves. Beating the Chinese on Saturday was massive for us but they have done it millions of times. They know what it's like to be in this situation and they'll be back. They'll still be a medal favourite."
Thomas has been a member of Earls Gymnastics Club in Halesowen since he was five and has become their first ever Olympian. GB could stun the world with a medal tonight and Earls chairman John Caulwell, who travelled to watch Thomas on Saturday, revealed the club's pride.
"It's the proudest moment in our history," he said. "We have been going since 1990 and it's the highest anyone has ever achieved. Ryan Bradley (an Earls gymnast won Commonwealth Games team bronze with Thomas in 2006) suffered an injury when he looked like he could go, so to see Kristian make it is tremendously satisfying.
"The club is extremely proud with what has been achieved. For some of the younger gymnasts there's no better person to look up to than Kristian.
"He's a level-headed, down to earth guy and is always quick to pass on his experience and advice to the youngsters. It's a great environment at the club."
Team GB's achievement comes after they initially failed to qualify for the Games after finishing 10th in the World Championships last year. They were forced to compete in January's test event – which they won – just to make it to London. Since then, Thomas has helped the GB team claim gold at the European Championships in May after a flawless high bar routine. They beat Russia to win Great Britain's first major men's team medal at an international tournament.
And Caulwell insisted it showed the 23-year-old, who lives in Wednesfield, will have nerves of steel at the Olympics.
He said: "Nerves do not seem to faze him. Deep down inside he might be feeling the nerves but he's got great ability."
