Oh how the land of hope and glory lived up to its name. No matter what the rumours may have predicted about Rio, or how divided the public may have been after a certain referendum, one thing we can surely all agree on is that Team GB’s athletes have done us proud this summer; the Rio Olympic Games were a resounding success. Not only did we achieve GB’s highest standing for over a century, beating China to finish in an overall 2nd place (U.S. were 1st), but we also became the first country ever to improve upon our medal haul following a home Olympic Games. Incredible.
It was the combination of many dedicated athletes, coaches and staff, from a variety of sports that lead to Great Britain’s success, but there was one sport in particular which deserves a special mention. One sport that dramatically exceeded their medal target, achieving more than double what was hoped for. I’ve never been more delighted to say I’m talking about the Gymnastics team! Of course, this is a gymnastics blog and what else did you expect me to say, but come on- 7 medals, and across all 3 disciplines! Chuffed is an understatement. And even where there weren’t medals, history continued to be made. Never before have Britain had a trampolinist in the finals, and yet Kat Driscoll’s qualification alongside Bryony Page smashed that record, making it 2 Brits in a single final. Nathan Bailey was our first ever male competitor in trampolining. Our Women’s Artistic team’s finish of 5th place is the highest ranking we’ve reached at an Olympic Games since 1928. And the list goes on! In fact there were so many memorable moments that I won’t even try to name them all. I will just say this: my happy tears still haven’t dried.
So what now? The Olympics were amazing, but now they’re over and they aren’t coming back around again any time soon. Don’t panic, I’ve got you covered. Here are 3 exciting ways you can cure your post-Olympics blues:
Watch the Paralympics! There will be more action in Rio starting in just a few days, as the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games run from the 7th to 18th of September. Great Britain finished in 3rd position with 120 medals including 34 golds, at the 2012 Games. There’s no paralympic gymnastics but look out for stars such as Dame Sarah Stoney in the cycling, Gordon Reid in the wheelchair tennis, and Ellie Simmonds OBE in the swimming.
Attend a local competition. British Gymnastics has a calendar of all the events happening for the year on their website so you can easily see what’s on near you. For example, if you’re near Loughborough this weekend (3rd/4th September) you can catch our young elite artistic gymnasts from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales competing in the UK School Games.
Vote Claudia! BG’s own Claudia Fragapane will be performing some new moves on the floor in this season’s Strictly Come Dancing. Not only do we know and love her as a gymnast already but our "pocket rocket” is the bookie’s favourite to win (at odds of 4/1), so don’t miss it, starting on BBC One at 18:50 this Saturday.
And if all that is still not enough for you, why don’t you get in the gym yourself? If you’ve never tried gymnastics before it’s never too late to start! Find a gymnastics club near you with this handy tool.
All the best until next time
