This Is Cheshire

Early draw hampers Beth's gymnastic bid for Olympic glory

From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 19th Aug 2004.

LOCAL heroine Beth Tweddle's hopes of becoming the first-ever British woman to win an individual Olympic Gymnastic medal were dashed by misfortune.

The 19-year-old from Bunbury saw aspirations for a top three place in the asymmetric bars thwarted by an early draw on Sunday.

With over 50 gymnasts after her, the judges gave Beth a severe 9.575, only good enough for 13th place.

Britain also failed to make it into the team final but Beth will feature in today's all-round final after finishing in the top 24.

British Gymnastics spokeswoman Vera Atkinson said: "Had Beth performed in the second or third group, I'm convinced she would have made the final.

"Everyone knows starting in the first division is challenging.

"The judges were a bit too strict with the scores.

"Every gymnast suffers a misfortune with the draw.

"Unfortunately for Beth, it was on the biggest stage."

Disappointment was too much for Beth who broke down in tears but didn't blame the judging.

"We've all had it stored up and it all came flooding out," she said.

"I did my routine on the bars but it probably wasn't my best performance."

Additional marks of 9.300 on the floor, 9.012 on the vault and 9.025 on the beam left Beth 17th in the all-round standings.

Beginning her career with Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club at the Camm Street Centre, she emerged as one of Britain's best.

Beth won gold on the bars at the Manchester Commonwealth Games, bronze at last year's World Championships and silver at the European's in May.

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