Amazing Abi secures Team GB final slot

A superb and mature floor routine from Torbay teenager Abigail Martin played a significant role in the Team GB gymnastics squad securing a place in Tuesday’s final at the Olympic Games in Paris.

All five gymnasts in the GB team performed solidly on the first apparatus, the vault, and then a fabulous display on the bars from Becky Downie kept them in touch with the leaders. The momentum continued with a fine showing on the beam.

Moving to the floor, and Abi, 16, was sensational, packing in all those years of practise at the South Devon School of Gymnastics to deliver a powerful routine crammed with hug difficulty.

Abi told British Gymnastics: "This team is so supportive, we have got so close and it shows - we’re all here for each other. After I had a bit of a mistake in the vault warm-up, Beckie and Alice really brought me back up. They have been there for me throughout and when I came off the floor I was greeted by the best support from all the girls."  

The Devon contribution to Team GB continued on Monday morning with Plymouth’s Tom Daley earning a silver medal alongside Noah Williams in the men’s synchronised 10m platform diving event.

Tom and Noah were incredibly consistent throughout their six dives, comfortably securing the silver, but they were unable to make a dent in the imperious Chinese duo, who won gold at a canter.

Torquay’s Tom Fannon is representing Ireland in Paris and will race in his 50m freestyle swimming heat on Thursday. Ben Proud, also from Devon, competes in the same event, while Honey Osrin is involved in the 200m backstroke.

Hockey goalkeeper, Ollie Payne from Totnes, helped Team GB to a dominant win over Spain in their opening fixture, followed by a 2-2 draw with South Africa.