GBR vs. FRA - Womens Artistic Gymnastics.
Senior and Junior Friendly International
A fantastic weekend of competition in Blackpool saw both
Teams share the medals and proved how close Great Britain
and France are in the world of gymnastics.
Day Two - Apparatus finals
Great Britain and France once again shared the medals in
the apparatus finals on day two of the competition in Blackpool.
The senior events were split with France's Isabelle Severino
taking beam and teammate Cassy Vericel floor, whilst Marissa
King once again proved her ability on vault with Becky Downie
producing a good routine to seal the bars title.
In the junior section things were a bit more one sided with
French junior sensation (all-around winner on day one) Youna
Dufournet once again leading the way with Gold on vault, bars
and floor. Great Britain's Niamh Rippin was the home crowds
highlight as she took Gold on the beam.
Day One - Team event
The highly talented French team won the senior competition
by a narrow margin, whilst the GBR youngsters leveled things
up by taking the junior Team event.
A packed crowd were entertained by some stunning individual
displays from both nations.
Of note were the French gymnasts Pauline Morel who took the
senior all-around crown, and French junior Youna Dufournet
who took the junior event.
The Nottingham star duo, Rebecca Downie and Laura Jones took
the Silver and Bronze places on the senior podium with Danusia
Francis (Heathrow) and Jennifer Pinches (Liverpool) completing
the junior all-around medals standings.
The competition took place in a very tense atmosphere and
it was clear to see how much the performances mattered to
both coaches and gymnasts. The audience were treated to performances
by many gymnasts who will be going to the Beijing Olympics
with medals in the sites.
The fact that this International is the third and final control
competition for the GBR gymnasts hoping to qualify for next
months European Championships, just added to the tension.
The teams will now battle again for the individual apparatus
titles on Sunday 16th. This competition is sure to be just
as exciting with even more medals up for grabs.
|
