Becky Downie admits the pressure was on but was impressed by how the British women's team held their nerve to seal Olympic qualification at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
Booking a place at Tokyo 2020 was the aim heading into this week in Stuttgart – with the top nine teams not already qualified earning that right.
The British sextet finished seventh in qualifying to make the grade, which meant they qualified for the team final at the Worlds on Tuesday in addition to ensuring Team GB will compete in the women’s team event in Japan next summer.
In addition to the team final in Germany, Downie will also contest the uneven bars final after coming fifth in qualifying, her sister Ellie will go in the vault after coming fourth and Alice Kinsella’s 15th place in the all-around earns her a spot in that final.
But reaching the Olympics was the number one goal and the British team could congratulate themselves on a job well done.
Becky Downie said: “There was definitely a lot of pressure coming in to this Worlds, especially because of the Olympic qualification.
“With last year just missing team final, we knew we needed to go out there, do what we trained, and we’d be fine.
“My bars in training has been really good and I feel very happy and comfortable with this routine – probably the most I ever have.
“With that in the back of my mind, I just needed to go out, do a normal routine, and I knew I’d be fine.
“It wasn’t easy to come out and do what we’ve done, and it wasn’t perfect, but everyone can be really proud that we gave it our all.”