Little Adds Baku and Doha to World Cup Schedule

Published On: 16 February 2017

Gymnast Emily Little has been selected for the Baku and Doha World Cup events as she steps up preparations for the Melbourne World Cup starting on Wednesday of next week.

Little – who will compete on three apparatus in Melbourne – has been added to a further two world cup competitions for Australia with the Baku (16-19 March) and Doha (22-25 March) meets set to follow on the individual apparatus format.

With Melbourne representing Little’s first major hitout for 2017, it comes as no surprise she is looking forward to getting back out on the competition floor.

“I’m really excited to have been selected to compete in the first Melbourne World Cup,” Little told the Australian Olympic Committee website.

“Being selected onto the team is an honour for me and it always feels special competing at home in Australia, in front of my friends and fellow Aussies.”

The 2012 London Olympian also believes the longer term legacy of the World Cup on home shores will be a boost to the younger generation of Australian talent.

“I believe the younger gymnasts with benefit most from the World Cup,” Little said.

“Being able to see how world class gymnasts train and compete is a huge benefit.”

The International governing body (FIG) has revamped the World Cup format, with individual apparatus events now forming a larger piece of the Olympic qualification puzzle and with Australia last year missing out on team selection, Little believes this will only help her on the road to Tokyo.

“I think this is a really smart idea,” Little said in regards to the new competition program.

“With the new FIG World Cup format, there are a series of events that contribute towards an individual selection to the next Olympics Games.

“I’m looking forward to having lots of amazing gymnasts from different countries jump on the World Cup circuit, and it will be exciting to have those gymnasts in Melbourne each year.”

– with AOC (www.olympics.com.au)