London 2012 blog

Britain’s Beth Tweddle is the talk of the online gymnastics community. She gave the sport’s home profile yet another boost at the weekend, by adding the prestigious World Cup title to the World Championship crown she won in October.

But, she told the BBC in an audio interview posted on Tuesday, performing at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show was the greater challenge.

TV presenter Gabby Logan – a former Commonwealth rhythmic gymnast – reflected on the impact of this prime-time appearance in her column for The Times Online. Bloggers approved of her positive take on elite gymnastics training for youngsters.

Meanwhile the BBC’s 606 Sport Blog backed the choice of Amanda Kirby, Beth’s coach at the City of Liverpool club, as UK Female Coach of the Year.

British Gymnastics, the governing body, is celebrating these successes – and more – in its review of a year which also brought Commonwealth titles for Imogen Cairns and Louis Smith, the 17-year-old double junior European champion.

Louis heads a team of eight talented London 2012 prospects, announced this week for the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in January. Also included are 12-year-olds Danusia Francis (watch a video) and Nicole Hibbert, from the London-based Heathrow club, the current British team champions.