Biography
Won her seventh consecutive British Championships in 2007 and has more than 50 World and European medals in a career spanning over 20 years.
Just edged out of individual medals at 2008 European Championships. Makes Olympic debut in Beijing.
Recipient of FIG (Fedaration Int de Gymnastique) pin – awarded in recognition of highest international standards.
Has Sports Science degree from UWIC. Both parents are gymnastics coaches. Motto is ‘Life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take but moments that take your breath away’.
Favourites:
Food- Homemade Lasagne with salad
TV- I don’t have one but I love Friends.
Film- Coach Carter, Peaceful Warrior, i am sam, Hitch, The Devil Wears Prada, The Holiday, The Pursuit of Happyness, Prime.
Film Star- Goldie Hawn
Music- I like a wide variety of music but Love Rascal Flatts (country).
Sports Personality- Never really had a favorite but admire many for their dedication and winning attitudes.
What’s your favourite saying- Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Hobbies outside gymnastics- I love to take part in all sports but especially like skiing. I cycle a lot and enjoy walking on the beach near my Home.
What makes you laugh? Laughing is probably my favorite hobby and it doesn’t take much to set me off. Family, friends, films and life!
When did you start gymnastics and why? When I was just a week old I was at Crystal Palace with my parents. They were coaching at the Guiness School Of Sport and I’ve been in the gym since that day. I never really wanted to do Artistic Gymnastics but loved to play on the trampoline. 28 years later I still love to play on the trampoline, but to a more serious level.
How much training do you do? I train around 5 hrs a day on and off the trampoline. That includes Pilates and fitness training.
What are you ambitions in and out of gymnastics? I just want to go on enjoying my sport and striving to be the best. Outside of gymnastics I’m adding to my degree with a qualification in nutrition, and one day I would like to run my parents gym. I would also like to run my own shop of goodies.
What are the best and worst things about being a gymnast? It is fantastic to be able to travel the world to compete for your country. It has meant that I have some great friends from many other countries. I really enjoy training and bettering myself every day. I can’t think of any bad things.
Who is you gymnastics idol and why? Beth Tweddle, I can appreciate the hard work she has put in and she has done great things for the sport of gymnastics.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals when you compete? Not really.
Advice to youngsters? Work hard and enjoy what you are doing, if you aren’t having fun then it becomes a chore and you will not be able to achieve the things that you desire.
How as the 2007 competition year for you? I had a disappointing World’s but I made every final of The World Cups I took part in, winning bronze in China and was Ladies British Champion for the 7th consecutive time so it wasn’t all bad.
Extra info-
Education: Secondary School: Marist Convent
Farnham Sixth Form College
The University of Wales Institute Cardiff
2002- Final year of a degree in Sports Science at UWIC (Cardiff).
2005 – Graduates with B.Sc. Hons.
Family: Claire is the only child of Bernie & Colin Wright, who are two of the most respected gymnastics coaches and club managers within British Gymnastics. They run the Rushmoor Gymnastics Academy and organize the annual Rushmoor Rose Bowl International in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.