British gymnastics

Jessica Gadirova – rising star

“It’s just crazy that I have a medal round my neck”

*Jessica’s final pose on floor (photo courtesy Basel 2021 )*

23 June 2021 – Back in April, Jessica burst onto the scene at her first major international event – the European championships in Basel, Switzerland. The 16-year-old from Aylesbury won three medals – gold, silver and bronze. Since then, she has been selected for the British Olympic team, along with her identical twin sister, Jennifer. Gym Stars spoke with Jessica at the European championships virtual press conferences – read on to hear what she had to say about her success.

Ellie Downie – back in the medal hunt

“Gymnastics is getting so much harder”

Elissa Downie of Great Britain *(photo by Sarah Baldwin / Gym Stars)*

27 April 2019 – European all-around champion in 2017, Ellie Downie of Great Britain then spent over a year recovering from surgery – twice – on her left ankle. She returned to competition at the 2018 world championships, then became British champion in March. In April she won the all-around silver medal and bronze on vault at the European championships. I talked to her about what it took to make a successful comeback.

Amelie Morgan – 2019 English champion

“I’m absolutely over the moon!”

*Amelie Morgan of England & Great Britain (photo by Sarah Baldwin / Gym Stars)*

11th March 2019 – In her first year as a senior (she turns 16 in May) Amelie Morgan was delighted to win the English all-around title, which makes her a top prospect for the British championships coming up this weekend. I spoke to her after her win.

Battle of the rings: Eleftherios Petrounias versus Courtney Tulloch

“every year I see a new Courtney” (Elefterious)

Eleftherios Petrounias of Greece *(Photo courtesy Glasgow 2018 via Getty Images)*

Courtney Tulloch of Great Britain *(Photo courtesy Glasgow 2018 via Getty Images)*

8th August 2018 – One of the toughest apparatus for male gymnasts is undoubtedly the rings, where they must combine brute strength with poise and artistry. One gymnast reigns supreme here: Olympic, twice world and three times European champion, Eleftherios Petrounias of Greece. Aged 27, he is aiming for his fourth consecutive European rings title in Glasgow. However, he faces a strong challenge from 22-year-old Courtney Tulloch. I spoke to them both before the rings final at the 2018 European championships.