Nathan Bailey is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be able to return to Brazil this summer after securing Team GB a male trampoline place at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The Rio Test Event was the final chance for gymnasts to claim places for their nations at the Games, and Bailey made the most of the opportunity to do exactly that.
He scored a total of 104.695 points for his two qualification routines to secure not only a place in the final but also Team GB’s first men’s trampoline Olympic place since Athens 2004.
“I’m really, really happy! It’s been my aim for the last four years and qualifying the spot for team GB just means the world to me,” he said.Bailey, who trains at OLGA club in Poole, went on to place fourth in the final, scoring 57.605 points, but despite just missing out on a podium spot he was still all smiles come the end of the competition.
“There is going to be a trial process now so hopefully I can secure the spot in my name.
“I’m feeling really confident this year after putting up a good result at the European Championships, getting bronze. That kind of set me up for the Test Event in a good spirit and it’s just carrying on so hopefully in the next couple of competitions I can carry that on and you might see me back here in Brazil for the Olympic Games !”
The result means that Team GB will be represented by full men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics teams – five gymnasts per team – as well as two female trampoline gymnasts and one male trampoline gymnast at Rio 2016.
The selection process now continues with the names for all teams being announced on July 12.
Sportsbeat 2016