GYMNASTICS - Gadirova sisters fall short at multi-sport European Championships - The Coventry Observer

GYMNASTICS - Gadirova sisters fall short at multi-sport European Championships

Coventry Editorial 12th Aug, 2022   0

JESSICA Gadirova refused to blame her decision to miss the Commonwealth Games for the dramatic fall that derailed her European Championship dream in Germany.

The Coventry-raised gymnast, aged 17, finished 10th in Thursday’s all around final after suffering a nasty-looking tumble on the balance beam to stun the Munich crowd.

Gadirova and her twin sister Jennifer – both of whom competed at last summer’s Olympic Games – had opted to miss the Birmingham showpiece owing to a desire to prioritise the European Championships in Munich.

However, that decision appeared to backfire as both young athletes struggled under the bright lights of Munich’s 1972 Olympic Hall.




Asked whether she regretted her decision and felt rusty going into the event, Jessica said: “No.

“My last competition was the Olympics and a few things changed along the way.


“With time and everything like that, I wouldn’t have done as well at the Commonwealths.

“But it’s good to be here. I’m happy to be here anyway and perform out there.”

Jennifer added: “It’s nice to be back out there and it’s been a year since the Olympics.

“I think our team bond is fantastic. We’re all very close, we just love each other as girls. We always have each other’s backs.”

The Gadirovas are absorbing the insight of teammate Alice Kinsella, who they roared on to a silver medal, and admitted they couldn’t be happier after she fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Jessica said: “Alice is such a great gymnast and person.

“I’m over the moon for her and so happy she got an amazing result – I’m so proud.”

Kinsella said: “Personally, growing up, I’d always wanted to win an all around medal at the Europeans.

“It has honestly been a dream of mine and I’m so proud and happy.”

The multi-sport European Championships Munich 2022, featuring Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Canoe Sprint, Cycling, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Rowing, Sport Climbing, takes place 11th-21st August on the 50th anniversary of the Olympics Games in the German city. Follow online at bbc.co.uk/sport

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