Monday 26 October 2015
The crowds at the SSE Hydro have been treated to a feast of gymnastics over the last four days, with 594 athletes from 87 countries on show. But now it’s down to business as the quest for medals begins tomorrow, when the top eight teams from the qualifiers battle it out for the 2015 World Championships Team crown.
All eyes will be firmly focussed on the ‘big guns’ such as USA, Russia and China, but the story of the day comes in the form of the surprise package from the qualifiers, the Netherlands who took the eighth and final spot ahead of Olympic hosts Brazil.
The Dutch team start their bid for glory with three member of the Wevers family at the heart of their quest for success; twin sisters Lieke and Sanne, coached by their father Vincent.
Dreams are being fulfilled for the 24-year-old twins competing together at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow. Sanne commented: “This morning I said to Lieke, ‘This is what we have come for. This is historical, it is a dream come true’.”
Sanne, the 2015 European Uneven Bars bronze medallist was delighted by her team’s performance which saw them qualify for today’s team final, saying: “We could only get the ‘triple two’(Dutch team’s total of 222.354) or more if we did everything right, and we did, so we are extremely happy.”
Sister Lieke was the highest placed Dutch gymnast in the All-Around qualifying in fifth place, which helped the Dutch team reach the final.
The family affair continues with dad Vincent, who has coached his daughters since the age of twelve and is part of the national coaching team and has travelled to Glasgow with his daughters, as the Netherlands hunt for medal glory.
Meanwhile it will be business as usual for the USA, who are aiming to secure their second successive team crown after qualifying in first place, over four marks ahead of second placed Russia.
China, 2014 world silver medallists will also be striving for a podium finish despite a disappointing performance by their high standards, qualifying in fourth place. We will have to wait and see if they can spoil USA’s plans and beat them to the world title.
The GB women will be looking to capitalise on home advantage in front of an enthusiastic crowd, after qualifying in third place. They would love to repay the huge British support with a medal, which would be their first ever at a World Championships.
Also contesting the Team final and pushing for the podium will be Italy, Japan and Canada.
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