BRILLIANT Beth Tweddle has become the first British female gymnast to win an Olympic medal.

The 27-year-old from Bunbury scored 15.916 to take bronze in today’s women’s uneven bars final at the London 2012 Games.

Former Queen’s School Chester student Tweddle, whose career started out at Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club, finished third behind Russia’s Aliya Mustafina and defending Olympic champion Kexin He of China.

Tweddle has won one Commonwealth, three world and six European titles in her glittering career.

But an Olympic medal has been the one thing that has eluded her.

Tweddle, who finished fourth at the Beijing Games four years ago, said: “It means everything. I just wanted a medal, it didn’t matter what colour.”

Tweddle’s father Jerry could not hide his pride after seeing his daughter win bronze.

He said: “It’s absolutely fabulous. We’ve waited a long while for that.

“She was so relieved, so happy. It’s the first time I’ve seen her shed a small tear, which is unusual for Beth. She was stunning.”

Mustafina claimed gold with a mammoth 16.133 – a score Tweddle had posted in qualifying for the final – with Kexin following up in second with 15.933.

London 2012 is likely to be the legendary Tweddle’s last Olympics.