Womens Artistic Gymnastics News
Liverpool looking forward to an historic event
Liverpool’s and the country’s recognised "Gymnastics
Producer of Champions", the Park Road Centre of Excellence,
saw on Friday, 24 June 2005 the last training of the GB and
Chinese teams, a day before they write history with their
first friendly International.
Norman Wilkinson, the former Director of Leisure and Recreation
of Liverpool, the inspiration behind the Gymnastics development
in the City, whose trophy will be awarded to the winning team
on Saturday, 25 June, was present at the training session
on Friday.
"My dream has come true", he said. "15 years
ago my colleagues and I tried to negotiate this competition
with our Chinese friends. It took us some time, but here we
are- we shall witness some incredible gymnastics in the following
two days".
The Chinese team arrived on Wednesday, 22 June, and didn’t
loose time absorbing the history of this great city-the capital
of Culture. They visited the Albert Dock development, its
Museums and of course, the Beatles Museum.
Both Teams line-ups are as published on this Website two
days ago:
China: Fan Ye, Li Ya, Xiao Sha, Yang Yahon, Guo Li and Lin
Xia.
GB: Beth Tweddle (Liverpool), Samantha Bayley (Unattached),
Imogen Cairns (The Academy), Rhian Pugh (Bristol Hawks), Melanie
Roberts (Liverpool), Rosalie Hutton (Pipers Vale) and Helen
Galashan (Livepool), Reserve.
Beth Tweddle (20), the pride of British Gymnastics was looking
good on her home ground during the training. According to
BG’s Women’s Technical Director Adrian Stan, "she
could win the All-around, should she have a good day on Saturday".
As expected, the guests impressed with their elegance, style
and line. They are led by the 2003 World Champion on Beam
Fan Ye (18). Youngest in the Chinese team is the 13-year old
Xiao Sha, while Rosalie Hutton (Pipers Vale) is the youngest
in the British Team (15).
The competition on Saturday, 25 June (Team & All-around)
is from 15:00 until 16:50.
The Apparatus Finals on Sunday, 26 June will take place from
14:00 until 16:35
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