Some of the world's greatest women's Artistic Gymnasts will be competing over the weekend 28/29th August, at Gateshead Leisure Centre's first International event since it's recent multi million pound refurbishment.
The Great British Teams will line up against highly regarded Swiss opposition in a key event in the run up to the 2010 Rotterdam World Gymnastics Championships (18-24 October) and the Delhi Commonwealth Games (8-14 October).
The British girls will all look to be in peak form going into the Gateshead International which also serves as a selection event to make the Team’s for these two events.
Britain’s best ever gymnast, World Floor and European Floor and Bars Champion Beth Tweddle MBE (City of Liverpool), is looking forward to the prospect of a high quality meet: “The International against Switzerland is vital for all of the girls hoping to be on the plane to Delhi or Rotterdam. There is a lot of competition for places so everyone knows they must compete to their best. All the British girls are really looking forward to competing in the North East, and in front of a supportive and knowledgeable home-crowd who I am sure will help in giving the British gymnasts the edge.”
Gateshead Council cabinet member for culture Councillor Linda Green said: “Gateshead Council has invested many millions of pounds in ensuring that the borough’s leisure and sporting facilities are world class. This investment programme is reflected in the refurbished Gateshead Leisure Centre’s ability to host this high profile international gymnastics competition between Great Britain and Switzerland featuring Beth Tweddle, Britain’s most successful ever gymnast. This calibre of event is inspirational for our residents and truly justifies Gateshead’s status as European City of Sport 2010.”
Beth is joined in the British Squad by a whole host of seasoned International performers as well as some younger gymnasts hoping to make an impression. Great Britain will field 2 Teams to allow all of the Senior Squad the chance to compete and stake a claim for the World and Commonwealth Squads.
Other names to look out for include the 2010 Women’s British Champion Hannah Whelan (City of Liverpool) who will be joined by fellow Beijing Olympians Becky Downie (Nottingham), Marissa King (Huntingdon), Imogen Cairns (The Academy) and Rebecca Wing (Heathrow).
Add to this the likes of Niamh Rippin (Notts), Jocelyn Hunt (Horsham) and Nicole Hibbert (Heathrow) who all played key roles in the British Team Silver medal wining performance at this year European Championship, and it is clear to see that the field on display in Gateahead will be of the highest caliber.
The Swiss Team meanwhile will led by Beijing Olympian Ariella Kaeslin who took the Vault Silver medal at the 2010 World Championships. Ariella headlines a Swiss Team full of experienced Internationals who are coached by former British Gymnastics National Coach Zoltan Jordanov.
Information-
GBR vs. SUI:
28th August - Team & All Round Competition; Doors Open at 12:45
29th August - Individual Apparatus Competition; Doors Open at 11:00
Tickets From £8.00
Venue: Gateshead Leisure Centre
Address: Alexandra Road, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE8 4JA
0191 433 6900
email: [email protected]
