JESSICA Gadirova has urged Great Britain’s gymnasts to make home advantage count as they look to end USA’s World Championship dynasty in Liverpool.
The 18-year-old Coventry gymnast was the star of a superb qualifying performance by the hosts at the M&S Bank Arena as Britain outperformed the highly-fancied China and Brazil to advance in second behind only the reigning champions.
The American squad, missing Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, are gunning for a record-breaking sixth successive World Championship women’s team triumph but Gadirova – part of British teams to win Olympic bronze and European silver – has her sights set on upsetting the applecart on Tuesday evening.
Gadirova said: “I’m so excited for the finals, I expect a good and clean routine, hopefully I get a great score out of it.
“I did better than I thought [in qualifying] but there are always improvements [to make]. Gymnasts always think they can do better. Just a little bit more training and hopefully it’ll be a bit better come finals.
“The crowd was incredible, it touched my heart. We watched the team final at the Commonwealths [in Birmingham] and heard the crowd.
“We rested ourselves for the World Championships so it was great to hear that atmosphere and have a taste of what it will be like. Hearing that out on the floor is amazing.”
Gadirova is set to go for three individual medals later in the week and will be joined by twin sister Jennifer in the team’s pursuit of glory, alongside Alice Kinsella, Ondine Achampong and Georgia-Mae Fenton.
Further incentive is provided by the Olympic quota places at stake for the three medalling nations and Jennifer – who joined her sister in qualifying for the individual floor final – is hoping to make her mark on the big stage.
Jennifer said: “To qualify in second, we’re just thrilled, there were a few mistakes made but we’re definitely trying to fix them and do better.
“I only did one piece and I’m glad I brought it and helped towards the team. I love these girls to bits. We’re so close and have a great connection. That really helps – everyone can see it.”
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
