BETH Tweddle confirmed her status as British gymnastics’ Belle of the Bars with a stunning performance on her favourite apparatus in London yesterday.
The 27-year-old from Bunbury qualified for next Monday’s uneven bars final with a standout display that simply blew away all of her rivals.
“It is the best feeling in the world,” said Tweddle, a world champion three times but still seeking an elusive Olympic medal.
Tweddle produced a performance full of difficulty, but nailed every aspect to become the only gymnast to top 16 points.
The City of Liverpool gymnast actually scored a monster 16.133 points to qualify for the final in first place.
“For me to win an individual medal in my last competition here would be the best way to finish my career,” she declared.
“I am trying not to think about it now, though. If I can keep doing what I am doing now and keep on top of the routine in the next few days and my coach keeps me down to earth it is possible.”
Elsewhere, Chester-born basketball star Jo Leedham led from the front with a brave individual display but was unable to save Great Britain’s women’s team from a 74-58 loss to Australia on Saturday. Team GB continue their campaign against Canada this evening.
Other local athletes in Olympic action today are Pulford’s James Fair, who takes on Argentina in the men’s hockey, and Great Boughton water polo player Fiona McCann, due to play for GB against Russia.
In rowing, Farndon’s Chris Bartley was part of the GB lightweight coxless men’s four which qualified for tomorrow’s semi-finals with an impressive win.
Former Chester King’s School student Tom James booked his place in the semis of the men’s four with victory in his heat this morning.
Vicky Thornley, of Holt, and former King’s School rower Olivia Whitlam were part of the women’s eight crew which finished third in their heat yesterday.
They will now have to compete in a repechage tomorrow morning.
There was bad news for Cheshire-raised marathon runner Paula Radcliffe, who as ruled out of the women’s marathon over the weekend.
The 38-year-old, formerly of Kingsley, has a foot injury and was declared unfit after a test run.
