Team GB’s rhythmic gymnasts made history today when they competed in the Olympic all-around group competition for the first time at the North Greenwich Arena.
Louisa Pouli, Rachel Smith, Jade Falkner, Lynne Hutchison, Georgina Cassar and Francesca Fox finished 11th with a score of 24.150 after the five balls event.
The squad of six will now perform with three ribbons and two hoops on the second and final day tomorrow.
“It’s one of the best routines we’ve done and to do it out there as Britain’s first ever Olympic group is amazing,” said Smith. “The crowd were unbelievable and we just hope they enjoyed it as much as we did. It’s our aim to get as many people as possible watching our sport and to raise the profile as much as we can during the Games.”
GB’s Frankie Jones was competing in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around competition. She finished the day in 21st position, with some work to do on day two if she is to make the top ten and qualify for Saturday’s final.
Day one of the event involved two rotations using the ball and hoop, with tomorrow concluding the qualifying round where the gymnasts will use the ribbons and clubs.
Jones scored 24.550 in the first round and 24.200 in the second, giving her a total score of 48.750 at the half-way mark.
Jones said, “I’ve been working so hard for this, particularly on my expression, and hopefully it has paid off in today’s performances. For me, competing at the Games is all about trying to inspire younger gymnasts and get people into our beautiful sport.
“The atmosphere today was overwhelming, I just feel so privileged to be a part of it. My routines went well, it’s not about where I place though, it’s about performing the best I can and I did that today. Now I’m looking forward to coming back tomorrow for more of the same.”
Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
