Kristian Thomas backs Brits to shine

Wolverhampton’s Thomas, who retired from the sport last October after a glittering career, was speaking following the announcement of the GB team for the eagerly-awaited clash at Arena Birmingham on March 21 and 22 between the leading gymnastics nations from Rio 2016.

Nile Wilson, James Hall, Ellie Downie and Claudia Fragapane will represent Britain in the all-around event which will see the men battle it out on the first night if action on the floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and high bar. The women will take to the floor, vault, uneven bars and the beam on the second night of competition.

And 28 year-old Thomas, who won 10 medals at major championships, many of them in the all round event, will be swapping the floor and apparatus for the stands in March to cheer on the Great Britain team in one of the first major sporting events in the countdown to Birmingham 2022.

He said: “It will be strange for me to be in the crowd and not out there performing but I’m looking forward to it. The all-around is a tough event but we’ve got a strong squad who will be more than a match for anyone, particularly in front of a home crowd.”

Thomas, who is studying at the University of Wolverhampton and has joined the coaching team at Park Wrekin Gymnastics Club, urged West Midlands fans to turn out and get behind the British team with the Commonwealth Games in Australia just around the corner and the countdown to the 2022 Games in Birmingham now officially under way.

“The Commonwealth Games coming here in just over four years is fantastic for the area and there’s no doubt gymnastics will be one of the biggest events. This is a chance for people to get a taste of what it will be like in 2022.”

Ellie Downie and James Hall were announced as part of the Great Britain team at Bishop Challoner College in the city’s Kings Heath area where they wowed year 7 and 8 PE students with a gymnastics display before answering their questions.

Nottingham born Downie said:

“I’m delighted to be part of a really strong Great Britain team for the World Cup and can’t wait to take on the best in the world in front of a home crowd. There is a real passion for gymnastics in the Midlands and it was great to come here today and meet some of the students who could be GB stars of the future.”

Britain will take on Brazil, China, Japan, Germany, Holland, USA and Russia, in the event with the Ukraine also joining the men’s event. Gymnasts from the other competing nations will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Birmingham event is the penultimate competition in the World Cup Series, which has already visited the USA and will finish in Japan. Nations compete to be crowned World Cup winners with each individual event securing vital points on the leader board. Medals are awarded at each event, with gymnasts also picking up ranking points in the hope of being crowned the World Cup series champion.

Tickets for both nights of the event are available now from www.gymnasticsworldcup.co.uk