The British Olympic Association (BOA) today selected the women’s artistic gymnasts for Team GB at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
The athletes competing in the team competition are:
Becky Downie
Laura Jones
Marissa King
Beth Tweddle
Hannah Whelan
Rebecca Wing
Commenting on their selection:
Becky Downie
“I can't describe how happy I am and can’t stop crying! It’s a massive relief and shows that all the hard work has been worth it.”
Laura Jones
“It amazing, when I found out I was so pleased I just wanted to cry. I'm so excited, we’ve got a really strong team and I’m confident we’ll do well.”
Marissa King
“I don’t think this will sink in for a while, its every athletes dream and there are no words that can some up how happy I am to be selected. The whole group has worked so hard for this and the emotions are now finally coming out. I can’t wait to get out there and do the job”
Beth Tweddle
“I’m really exited and just looking forward to getting there and doing the best job I can. The team has been together for a long time now and I definitely feel we can have positive results.”
Hannah Whelan
“It feels fantastic to be selected and I'm really proud of myself. I can't wait to be involved in such a big competition.”
Rebecca Wing
“It’s absolutely amazing to be selected and I can’t quite describe the feeling. After so much pressure I’m so glad the selection has come. We’ve got a really good group of girls that get on well, so I’m confident we’ll put in a good performance in Beijing.”
Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 Chef de Mission, said:
“I am delighted to welcome these athletes into Team GB especially Beth Tweddle who was part of the team in Athens. Hannah Whelan and Marissa King were part of Team GB at youth festivals last year and I am very pleased that they have now taken the next step to join us for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. I wish all of them well in their final preparations.”
Matthew Greenwood, British Gymnastics Technical Director:
“We are extremely proud of the Women’s Artistic Team that has been selected for Beijing. The girls will be very well prepared and in a position to once again prove the great strength in depth that we have now established.”
Notes to Editors
Click on individual names above for biographies.
Team GB is expected to consist of approximately 300 athletes and a further 200 officials. Click here for profiles of every athlete selected for Team GB so far.
Team GB could be competing in up to 20 sports. Click here to view sport specific information.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will take place from 8th to 24th August 2008. Click here for further information about the Games.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its role is to select, prepare, manage and lead our nation’s finest athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. The BOA delivers extensive elite level support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their National Governing Bodies throughout each Olympic cycle and in the UK is responsible for the development and protection of the Olympic Movement.
For more information, please contact Louisa Huddy in the BOA Communications Department on 07789 658 798.
All interview requests for the athletes should go through Vera Atkinson on 07739 512 186 or Tim Peake on 07825 980335.