Tweddle makes amends with gold in floor event
BRITAIN’S Beth Tweddle put her asymmetric bars heartache behind her to claim a stunning World Championship gold in the floor event yesterday at London’s O2 Arena.
Tweddle, 24, was distraught at failing to make the final of her preferred event when she fell off the bars in front of her home crowd in Wednesday’s heats. But she made amends for that by pulling off a difficult routine on the floor and winning a second career world title.
“I was renowned for bars – this is my first medal in floor and it’s the best feeling ever,” said Tweddle. “It makes up for my disappointment. The fans got me through the other day when I was really upset, and it made me feel like I had to come out here today.”
Although Australia’s Lauren Mitchell scored higher for execution, Tweddle’s choice of routine was the most demanding of all competitors and earned her a higher overall mark. Mitchell took silver, with China’s Sui Lu winning bronze.
Tweddle is already considered old for gymnast, but has left the door open for an Olympic challenge when London hosts the Games in 2012. Her gold follows Daniel Keatings’ silver in the men’s all-round final on Thursday.