After watching her big sister claim double gold at the Commonwealth Games, Ellie Downie admits she can’t wait to try and do the same at next week’s Youth Olympic Games.
Becky Downie took team and uneven bars gold at Glasgow 2014 and, after being selected in Team GB’s 33-strong squad to compete at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, Ellie says she is feeling confident of repeating the trick.
Ellie was in Glasgow to watch her big sister compete, but didn’t have time to take her foot off the pedal with preparations for China in full swing.
An injury-hit season left the 15-year-old unsure of getting the nod for Nanjing but admits that now she has she will be looking to do her country proud.
“I had a few injuries this year when I landed on straight legs and rolled my ankle so I couldn’t compete at the National Championships,” she said.
“So to come back and manage to secure a place for the team in China is a really good feeling.
“Hopefully now I can go out there and do my best and maybe make it to the final. Whether I can win a medal depends on what other people are out there and how well they are performing but I feel confident no matter what.
“This will be the biggest competition I’ve been in so I think it’ll be a great experience for me and one that will help me to develop.
“I think just being able to experience the village and the atmosphere is going to be amazing.
“But I will be fully concentrated when it comes down to it and be ready to go out there and hopefully win a medal.”
Ellie has been doing gymnastics for as long as she can remember and, after being the only women’s artistic gymnast selected for Team GB’s Nanjing team, the Notts Gymnastics Academy starlet believes her hard work is paying off.
“I started when I was three or four and obviously seeing my sister has been a big inspiration,” Ellie added. “It was a little bit unexpected really so when I found out it was a great feeling.
“Knowing that I am the only girl who is going is great because there are so many great girls who could have gone.
“It’s something I have worked hard for and it is something my coach thought I would be able to do.”
© Sportsbeat 2014