WAIS Duo Claim Aus Gym Champs Titles
WAIS gymnasts Lauren Mitchell and Emily Little have both secured national titles at the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships in Melbourne.
Competing at her 10th titles, Mitchell made a successful return from an ankle injury to win the floor final and show that she remains one of the best athletes in the world on the apparatus.
The 2010 World Champion scored 13.900 to win ahead of Little (13.800) and Madelaine Leydin (13.500) and admitted afterwards that she was encouraged to prove to herself that her body could still cope with the rigors of competition.
“I came into nationals without any expectations and basically just to see where I’m at,” said Mitchell.
“I need to clean it up a lot more and I have one more upgrade to put in once my body allows and once I’m fit enough again.”
“It’s nice to know I’ve still got something.”
Mitchell pipped team mate and close friendEmily Littleby the smallest of margins, with 0.1 deducted by the judges after Little stepped outside the floor.
Little however, was full of praise for her training partner.
“We’ve been together for ten years and we feel so comfortable with each other, we train together and room together, and it’s nice to just have that support and friendship every day,” Little said.
“Lauren is a world champion on floor for a reason, and I couldn’t be happier for her.”
Little herself, enjoyed a solid nationals campaign, adding All-Around silver to a championship title on vault.
The London Olympian scored 14.937 in winning the vault final ahead of Stephanie Magiros (13.937) and has now focused her attention on performing on the biggest stage at this year’s World Championships after getting the job done at nationals.
“That’s what we come here to do, we come to do our best and you’re in the gym every day to win,” she said.
“It’s always nice to come to nationals and get recognised for all that hard work you put in.”
“Now I’m looking to upgrade both vaults and hopefully make a final at the world championships.”
Further details on the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships can be found here: http://ausgymnasticschamps.com.au/