Tweddle Medals At O2

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 173 months ago
Tweddle Medals At O2

bethtweddle.jpg The final of the Women's Floor competition at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships yesterday afternoon at the O2 was gripping for many reasons. Even watching on telly you could sense the crowd inside the 12,000 seater arena were going mental in anticipation of seeing home star Beth Tweddle compete for a medal and the hype reached us on the edge of the sofa.

Tweddle was first up and absolutely nailed it. Not only nailed the routine but an insanely difficult tumbling sequence with barely a wibble on landing. In stark contrast, the next competitor, Colombian Ortiz who flew off so promisingly, landed her second incredible tumble run on her head, devastating the crowd and competitors, sending the energy in the arena from hyped up to horrified.

Thankfully, she was swiftly whisked away to hospital - conscious and able to move - and competitor after competitor shrugged off the nasty reminder of the hazards of defying gravity by delivering awesome routine after awesome routine. But Beth had set a standard they just couldn't beat and the O2 audience went crazy for her gold medal.

Whether Tweddle will be able to recreate this success in 2012, when she'll be the grand old age of 27, remains to be seen, but the buzz of success on home ground was a tantalising taste of the excitement to come when Team GB take to the 2012 stage.

Last Updated 19 October 2009