Team GB gymnastics squad named for Rio 2016 Olympics
Last Updated: 12/07/16 3:50pm
The British Olympic Association has named the 13 gymnasts who will compete for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
In the men's artistic field, world pommel horse champion Max Whitlock returns for his second Olympic Games after claiming two bronze medals at London 2012, while three-time Olympic medallist Louis Smith also returns to Team GB.
Three more of the team that won all-around silver at the World Championships in Glasgow last year are also selected with Olympic bronze medallist Kristian Thomas included alongside Nile Wilson and Brinn Bevan who are set for their Olympic Games debuts. However, there was no place in the team for Sky Academy Sports Scholar Sam Oldham, who is a reserve.
The women's artistic field comprises five World Championship medallists with Becky Downie returning for her second Games and sister Ellie, a four-time Youth Olympic medallist, set for her first Olympic Games.
There are also Olympic debuts for four-time Commonwealth gold medallist Claudia Fragapane, Amy Tinkler and Ruby Harrold.
On the trampoline, two-time world champion Kat Driscoll will make her second Olympic appearance while three-time British champion Bryony Page is also included alongside 2016 British champion Nathan Bailey.
At London 2012, Team GB picked up four medals with the men's artistic team taking bronze, Smith winning silver and Whitlock bronze on the pommel horse. Beth Tweddle also won bronze on the uneven bars.
Team GB's chef de mission Mark England said: "Our gymnasts have enjoyed a very successful four years since London 2012 and the quality of athletes selected today is right up there with the best in the world.
"!n particular, the performances over the last 12 months across the disciplines give great promise to what this group can achieve in Rio de Janeiro this summer.
"Gymnastics in Britain is stronger than it has ever been. No doubt that competition for places has pushed each of those selected today to be better athletes and will help them hugely at Rio 2016."
Men's Artistic: Max Whitlock, Louis Smith, Nile Wilson, Brinn Bevan, Kristian Thomas.
Women's Artistic: Becky Downie, Ellie Downie, Amy Tinkler, Ruby Harrold, Claudia Fragapane.
Trampoline: Kat Driscoll, Bryony Page, Nathan Bailey.
