Aussie Gym Girls Hit Sixth

The Australian gymnastics team has finished a valiant sixth in the team final of the artistic women’s gymnastics in China today.

The sixth place finish is Australia’s highest ever result at the Olympic Games and was made more inspirational given Dasha Joura pushed through the pain barrier to compete in the final.

China continued their fine run of results in Beijing by claiming the gold whilst USA took silver. Romania earned bronze narrowly ahead of Russia, Japan and Australia.

Australia Coach Peggy Liddick was pleased with the result considering the injury to Joura.

“This is a great result for Australia,” Liddick said.

“It wasn’t our goal but it’s difficult when you lose your best athlete.”

“Georgia [Bonora] and Shona [Morgan] showed the depth we have in our team and Olivia [Vivian] came out and nailed her bars, when it was the one and last routine she had.”

Western Australian Lauren Mitchell top scored for the Aussies on beam with 15.550, Ashleigh Brennan was the best on floor with 14.650 and Morgan topped the points on vault with a high score of 14.825.

Bonora and Morgan contest the individual all-around on Friday.