Aylesbury sisters heading to Tokyo Olympics
Gymnasts Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova have been selected for the artistic squad
Two girls from Aylesbury are heading to the Olympics.
Twin sisters Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova have been selected for Team GB's artistic gymnastics team in Tokyo.
The pair say it's a dream come true and a huge honour.
Jessica Gadirova said:
“Being selected for the Olympics has always been a dream of mine so I feel so proud and honoured to represent Team GB at this years Olympics. Having my twin sister alongside me in the team makes the section even more special, we can’t wait.”
Jennifer added:
“I feel so honoured to be a part of Team GB it’s a dream come true and to be in the team with my twin sister feels unbelievable. We are so excited and can’t wait to show the world what we’re made of!”
2019 European beam champion Alice Kinsella and 2021 European uneven bars bronze medallist Amelie Morgan complete the line-up.
Mark England, Team GB Chef de Mission for the Tokyo Olympic Games, said:
"Being selected to represent your nation at an Olympic Games is an outstanding achievement.
"All four athletes should be exceptionally proud of what they have achieved, and I am sure they will relish everything that this opportunity brings."
Kinsella will compete in Japan as the most experienced gymnast in the women’s team.
A strong competitor across all apparatus, this was showcased at the 2019 World Championships where she finished inside the world’s top 12.
She particularly impresses on beam where in 2018 she became Commonwealth Games champion on that piece before claiming the European beam title.
Jessica Gadirova will head to the Japanese capital fresh off the back of an incredible major championship debut earlier this year.
She excelled throughout competition at the European Championships, becoming floor champion on the final day of the event, having already won all-around bronze and vault silver in the days before.
Her twin sister Jennifer is also one to watch.
Another hugely exciting prospect, Jennifer made history in 2019 by medalling at the first ever Junior World Championships and has continued to showcase upgrades in her routines ever since.
Similar to her sister, she is a confident floor worker, strong on vault, and has produced eye-catching routines on beam too.
Morgan stepped up to the senior age groups in 2019 following a long period of success as a junior gymnast.
She made history at the Junior European Championships in Glasgow, winning five medals, the most by any GB junior women's gymnast. As a senior, at the 2021 European Championships, she won her first senior major championship medal by winning uneven bars bronze, as well as impressing in the beam (4th) and all-around finals (4th).
Team GB Chef de Mission for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Mark England, commented:
“We’d like to congratulate Alice, Amelie, Jennifer and Jessica on their selection to Team GB for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
"Being selected to represent your nation at an Olympic Games is an outstanding achievement, especially when there is such a depth of talent in this sport in Great Britain. All four athletes should be exceptionally proud of what they have achieved, and I am sure they will relish everything that this opportunity brings.
“As a sport that is so greatly loved by our nation, these athletes will bring so much joy and entertainment to the fans that will be supporting Team GB back home this summer and we can’t wait to see them in action.”
James Thomas, British Gymnastics Performance Director, said:
“With less than 50 days to go to the Games we’re delighted to announce our artistic women’s team for Tokyo. The line-up is an exciting one full of emerging talent who we’re looking forward to seeing perform on the biggest stage.
"With such a strong pool of talent in Great Britain and only four places available the selection meant making difficult decisions. We feel the team selected has great potential to contend amongst the world’s best and individually each gymnast has the ability to excel in the all-around and apparatus competitions.
"The gymnasts have been extremely well supported by their coaches and clubs and we’re now looking forward to final preparations as they ready themselves to do the nation proud this summer.”
Alice Kinsella from Birmingham (Park Wrekin Gym Club) said:
“It feels absolutely amazing to be going to my first Olympic Games, knowing this has been my dream since I was a young girl, I honestly can’t wait. I’m super excited to represent Team GB, me and the girls will be trying our absolute best to do the country proud in Tokyo.”
Amelie Morgan from Portishead (The Academy) said:
“To be selected for the Olympic Games feels unreal, it’s something I’ve dreamt of but never thought would become a reality, it’s still sinking in. I’m looking forward to the whole experience, being a part of Team GB and amongst all the Olympians.
"This feels like one of the most special moments of my whole lifetime and I know how much my friends, family and coaches have sacrificed to support me, I couldn’t be more grateful, and this feels like the rewards for everyone’s hard work.”