City of Liverpool’s Hannah Whelan produced a superb performance to take the 2010 Senior Women’s All-around title from the Guildford Spectrum. Beijing Olympian Hannah, having recently returned to action after a wrist injury took the most prestigious honour of the British calendar scoring 57.800.
Hannah said: “ I’m really, really happy! I didn’t have any aims or expectations coming into the competition. So to then go out and win is just incredible. I’ve had injury problems so to then return and become British Champion is fantastic.”
The Silver medal went to Heathrow ‘s Nicole Hibbert (55.850) who competed in the Senior competition for the 1st time after being crowned Junior Champion in 2009.
Nicole said: “ I had a really good competition. In training I felt a slight problem with my hip but it seems to have recovered. My Beam was a bit wobbly but overall I'm happy. Its potentially a big year coming up with either the Commonwealth Games or World Championships so I’m really looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Nicole’s Teammate, Danusia Francis, also like Hannah making a welcome return after injury, took the Bronze medal scoring 55.350.
Danusia: “I’m extremely happy, I've had a bit of a difficult run in with a few injuries so to be able to compete here in the first place was great, and gave me a chance to see where I stand compared to some of the other gymnasts. Having missed out on the Europeans it was good to show the home crowd what I can do and win a medal.”
Juniors -
Laura Mitchell Gold, Rebecca Tunney Silver, Venus Romaeo Bronze
A great depth of talent and some star names created a memorable 2010 British Junior Championship from the Guildford Spectrum.
Heathrow’s Laura Mitchell (54.300) took the title to continue a fantastic year for her, having made the All-around Final at the Junior European Championships. Her win also keeps the title within Heathrow Gymnastics Club following from Nicole Hibbert's success in 2009.
Laura Mitchell: “That was really exciting! I wasn’t really thinking about the results it was more focusing on how to perform each piece. I always try to enjoy each competition, even though its nerve-wracking I still want to have fun when I compete. I can’t even put into words how amazing this year has been for me, I'm so happy.”
Liverpool’s Rebecca Tunney took the Silver (53.900). Rebecca :“I’m really happy. I got a bit nervous at times but I wanted to prove myself again after the Europeans and Ithink I've done that today.”
And Cardiff Centrals, Venus Romaeo (53.2000 made a great return after injury difficulties to take Bronze: Venus: "I’m really impressed with myself, I went clean all round so I’m very pleased with today. Having had an injury I’m so happy to be back competing and I've put a lot of work in to getting back here. After missing the Europeans I kind of wanted topove that I am there amongst the Team and I think I did that today so I’m very happy.”
