Olympian Beth Tweddle is one of ten gymnasts selected to represent Great Britain in gymnastics at the World University Games (WUGs) this year in Belgrade, Serbia.
Tweddle, Great Britain’s most decorated gymnast, is already familiar with WUGs as she brought home a gold and two bronze medals from the Games in Izmir in 2005. Studying Health Studies at University of Liverpool, the 24-year old is looking to use the multi-sport event as preparation for the World Championships in London in October.
“Every event prepares you for another event,” says Tweddle. “It gives you the experience of competing in different environments, allowing you to experience all the distractions and find out how best to focus on your event and not allow them to put you off.”
Tweddle is part of a 10-strong mixed squad, including Commonwealth Games athletes Olivia Bryl (University of Wales, Cardiff).
The gymnastics team have years of experience between them. Manchester Geography student, Nina Dearman took up the sport aged six. All athletes will be travelling to Belgrade with international experience and a majority of the gymnasts already hold Welsh, English or British Championship titles.
Matthew Greenwood, Performance Director at British Gymnastics said: "We are delighted that such a strong squad of elite gymnasts will be representing Great Britain.The gymnasts selected will certainly be striving for medals and their great depth of experience should help them to achieve their goals in Belgrade. The strength of the British team reflects the importance of further and higher education to the development of the entire gymnastics talent pathway."
Women
Olivia Bryl (University of Wales, Cardiff (UWIC) Product Design
Elizabeth (Beth) Tweddle (University of Liverpool) Health Studies
Bethan Mercer (Cardiff University) Physiotherapy
Nina Dearman (University of Manchester) Geography/Geology
Jenna Walters (London Metropolitan University) Sports Therapy
