RECORD-BREAKING gymnast Beth Tweddle has achieved another career first after winning two gold medals at the European Championships in Milan.
Tweddle, the greatest gymnast Britain has ever produced, claimed gold in her specialist event, the uneven bars, and in the floor event – to the astonishment of her team, her coach Amanda Kirby and herself.
The Bunbury star won gold in the uneven bars in Greece three years ago – but this was the first time she had captured two wins at the same European Championship.
And having not competed for seven months since the disappointment of narrowly missing out on a medal at the Beijing Olympics, Tweddle was shocked by her performance.
“Obviously I train to be the best I can but I really wasn’t expecting two gold medals,” said the former bars world champion, who celebrated her 24th birthday last week.
“I was very determined in the bars because I have had more than my share of fourth places. Last year I had too many of them and I was focused on getting back on to the podium.”
Encouragingly, former Queen’s School pupil Tweddle emerged from the competition without aggravating any of the injuries which have punctuated her career.
Next week she will return to full training in preparation for the Glasgow Grand Prix in mid-May and the British Team Championships a week later.
In October she will be aiming to add to her World Championship gold medal from 2006.
“There is a lot to do this year but I’m still taking things one season at a time,” said Tweddle, who is a member of Liverpool Gymnastics Club.
“I have considered 2010 however as the Commonwealth Games are taking place in India.
“Whether I go depends on where I am in the pecking order.”
