With the Tokyo Olympics now 5 months behind us, our summer filled with sporting memories seems rather distant. Now with the  Sports Personality Of The Year coming up, it seems as though many individual performances are being analysed and relieved for all to see, but with only six nominees, some of this country’s greatest sporting achievements from 2021 are unfortunately left out the limelight. Although for gymnastics fans, one particular moment may stick out more than the others sadly left behind. Our first women’s gymnastics team bronze since 1928 left the nation shocked; there were no expectations of any WAG medals at the beginning of summer. In fact, the four girls who made the magic happen became almost icons overnight, similar to the likes of Beth Tweddle or Max Whitlock. While we rightfully celebrate the achievements of the likes of Emma Radacanu and Adam Peaty, let’s look take a look at what our British bronze medal squad are up to now.

 

Alice Kinsella- 

After the 20-year-old made her Olympic debut this July, Kinsella revealed on her Instagram that during a training session in Tokyo, she had “rolled her ankle”, but upon returning to the UK, it was confirmed she’d torn some ligaments. Rather impressively, Alice did help win the bronze with this injury, and participated in qualifications shortly after the incident occurred. Whilst this unfortunately counted her out of the World Championships in Kitakyushu, it looks like the Essex local is back into her training and will be going for the intense British training programme in 2022. Good luck Alice!

 

Amelie Morgan-

Taking a slightly different path to that of her teammates, Morgan now trains full time in Utah under the NCAA collegiate gymnastics programme in the states. Alongside silver medalist Grace McCallum of the USA, Morgan seems to have fitted in seamlessly with the Red Rocks, showing off stunning shots of Moab National Park, among others. Even with this newfound lifestyle, it seems as though Amelie is keen to keep in touch with her British roots, writing on Instagram last month : “Missing these people who say crisps not chips:)”. Born in Slough, Amelie rose to fame on the hit CBBC series Gym Stars, collecting a small army of fans to support her during the Olympics. Surely with her new path in Gymnastics, many houses in and around the South-East will be shouting “Go Utes!” 

 

Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova-

Aylesbury-born twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova captured the hearts of the nation this summer with their incredible talent and success right from the start of qualifications. Since the Games, the girls turned seventeen, accepted a few partnerships and became ambassadors for leotard company Milano. Unclear when they will be making a full return to gymnastics, the girls are currently taking a small break from competition to upgrade on some skills and explore other opportunities. Whilst it hasn’t been confirmed, the twins seem to be working towards Worlds 2022, encouraging fans to buy tickets already, almost 10 months in advance. Whatever the Gadirova Girls are up to next, there are sure to be a nation of inspired fans to lift them up and support them in every venture.