Commonwealth Games England have today confirmed a squad of 13 gymnasts for the Commonwealth Games.
A squad of 13 gymnasts has been selected by Team England to compete in Glasgow next month. The squad includes 2012 Olympic bronze medallists Sam Oldham, Louis Smith, Kristian Thomas and Max Whitlock. Five times junior European Champion, 18 year old Nile Wilson completes the line-up for the men’s artistic gymnastics.
The women’s artistic team is led by European Champion and double Commonwealth Games medallist Rebecca Downie, who is joined by the three of the 2014 European Silver medal winning team - Claudia Fragapane, Ruby Harrold and Hannah Whelan, with Kelly Simm taking the final position.
Stephani Sherlock, Mimi-Isabella Cesar and Lynne Hutchinson will all compete in the rhythmic gymnastics competition.
Louis Smith said: “I'm over the moon to have been selected for the Commonwealth team. This is something I've worked so hard towards since the end of last year and it's testament to my coach and everyone around me who have given me the support to get to this point. The Commonwealth Games is such an amazing competition and I can't wait to be a part of it again.
“To have another chance to compete in a major championships on home soil is something I'm really looking forward to. I'm absolutely buzzing to be competing at the top again, to be joining the boys as part of the team again, and I can't wait to get back out there and represent Team England at the Games.”
Max Whitlock said: “I'm really looking forward to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and comparing it to Delhi in 2010 where I took home three medals. There’s always expectation going into a major competition but I try to look at each one in the same way and perform as best I can. Everything comes down to getting that clean routine on the day but I’m training hard and hopeful that Team England will achieve great things in Glasgow.”
Team England Chef de Mission Jan Paterson said: "Here we have another Team England squad bursting with talent and including Olympic and European medallists. These gymnasts are increasingly making an impact on the international stage and I wish them the best of luck for that to continue in Glasgow."
Stephani Sherlock said: “I am already very excited about the Games. This will be my first competition of such a high level, so I am looking forward to this amazing experience, being a part of a strong medal-hope team representing England.”
Ruby Harrold said: “I am so happy and feel so privileged to have been selected for the 2014 Commonwealth Team in Glasgow! I can't wait to compete in front of a supportive home crowd. I've never experienced a multi-sport event before so it's a new experience I'm excited for!”
Hannah Wheelan said: “I am unbelievably excited to compete for England at the Commonwealth Games! It has always been a dream of mine to compete at the Commonwealth Games for England and I am really excited for the whole experience! Firstly, as a team we are all hoping for a medal! And I am also aiming for individual finals and even some possible medals!”
The team in full is as follows:
Rhythmic Gymnastics Team
Name | From | Trains |
Mimi-Isabella Cesar | Birmingham | Birmingham |
Lynne Hutchison | Born in Tokyo, lives in Bath | Bath |
Stephani Sherlock | Moscow | Swindon |
Women’s Artistic Team
Name | From | Trains |
Rebecca Downie | Nottingham | Nottingham |
Claudia Fragapane | Bristol | Bristol |
Ruby Harrold | Churchill, Bristol | Portishead |
Kelly Simm | Whiteley, Fareham | Southampton |
Hannah Whelan | Born in Singapore lives in Liverpool | Liverpool |
Mens Artistic Gymnastics Team
Name | From | Trains |
Sam Oldham | Nottingham | Loughborough/Lilleshall NSC |
Louis Smith | Peterborough | Huntingdon |
Kristian Thomas | Wolverhampton | Wolverhampton/Lilleshall NSC |
Max Whitlock | Hemel Hempstead | Basildon, South Essex |
Nile Wilson | Leeds | Leeds |