WAG European Championship Preview

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The best gymnasts in Europe will be heading to the charming French city of Clermont-Ferrand for the 27^th WAG European Championships, to be held April 3^rd – April 6^th.

In an important year for the sport, these Championships offer an opportunity for the British girls to compete against some of the best in the world. Olympic hopefuls will be competing for their chance to advance to the Games in Beijing.

Great Britain’s senior team consists of Beth Tweddle, Marissa King, Becky Downie, Laura Jones and Hannah Clowes.

Tweddle is perhaps Britain’s best hope for a medal, after all she is the nations greatest gymnast to date. However, after failing to defend her World Championship title last September, it may be that the 23-year-old is passed her best. Tweddle will be looking to recapture her old form in preparation for Beijing; possibly her last competition.

Hot on Tweddle’s heals is first year senior Marissa King. Late in 2007 King secured a bronze medal in the vault at the Good Luck Beijing Invitational International Tournament, coming third to triple World Champion “The Unbeatable” Chinese Cheng Fei and World Championship silver medallist Hong Su Jong.

Becky Downie goes into the competition on a high, after recently competing for Great Britain against France. Although GB lost the tie, Downie did place 2^nd in the all-round competition.

At the same event, Laura Jones came third, just behind Downie. The Nottingham duo hope to repeat these performances in France.

Hannah Clowes completes the senior team after a good performance against the Czech Republic in a friendly earlier in March.

With the British women on winning form, the Championships are set to be a must-see. The BBC is covering the weekend’s events on Saturday; 04:00 – 06:00 on BBC 2, and 13:00 – 15:00 on BBCi.

Coverage continues for the final day’s competition on Sunday; 13:00-15:00 on BBCi, then 15:45 – 17:15 on BBC 2.

Action can also be seen on the BBC Sport Website.

Rachel Stansfield, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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