COVENTRY’S show-stopping Gadirova twins helped Great Britain make history with a stunning World Championship silver in Liverpool.
Jessica Gadirova’s superb floor routine followed an impressive effort from sister Jennifer on the same apparatus and put the seal on a memorable display in the women’s team showpiece as the hosts went toe-to-toe with the USA’s star-studded line-up.
The Americans held firm to claim a record-breaking sixth straight gold but silver represented Britain’s best-ever World Championship women’s team result and sealed a quota spot at the 2024 Olympics in the process.
Jessica said: “The atmosphere was electric. It definitely helped us. I’m so proud I could help the team score and put that routine up.
“Doing the floor felt amazing, my tumbling was amazing and I could hear the crowd cheer me on.
“I wanted to put my best performance out there for them and I’m so pleased. Everyone loves the music and the dance, which makes me so happy.”
Jessica and Jennifer, both 18, were joined by Alice Kinsella, Georgia-Mae Fenton and Ondine Achampong in a British quintet who competed alongside the favourites and stayed on their coattails throughout a gripping contest which had the Merseyside crowd on tenterhooks.
Jessica’s floor score of 14.266 was the best individual effort of the night and sets her up for a tantalising shot at gold in Sunday’s final – when she will compete against her sister.
Reflecting on team silver, Jennifer said: “I can’t believe it really, no words can explain how proud we are of everyone.
“We all worked so hard for this and I can’t believe it’s paid off.
“Some of us still have individual finals but we are definitely going to celebrate and have some fun.
“We’re so close, we have a great bond and we all just vibe off one another.
“I could hear the crowd, they were loving my music. I’m just so grateful to be here and put on a good show.”
The World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 will be one of the largest international sporting events ever to be held in the city. Over 500 gymnasts from more than 70 countries will compete at the M&S Bank Arena from 29 October to 6 November 2022. Tickets are available at www.2022worldgymnastics.com/tickets
