Gymnast

BBC Films did something very right in the production of gymnast. Yes it's been 3 years in the pipeline, showing the selection of the british olympic team for Beijing. It's a refreshing insight into the backstage of British Gymnastics.

Refreshing because, were this the USA- we get the low down on selection pressures and what Martha Karolyi may be thinking all the time. We're spoiled with backstage fluffs and interviews. The British gymnastic world is more of a secretive one. It was a rare treat to see the british girls in their training environments.

I appreciated the fact that the film played out like a film, rahter than a traditional documentary. The only 'narration' came from the subjects themselves. Primarily by Andrei Stan, the National Coach/Co-ordinator of the time, a frank, dry-humoured Romanian and definitely the UK's answer to Bela Karolyi.
(As an aside, does anyone know what happened to Stan after Beijing- is he still on the scene?)

The film shows the british girls progression through 3 trials (I still wonder why countries insist on so many- it just asks for injuries!). The pressure is never down as the clock ticks to final selection.

Having only become an avid follower of gymnastics from 2008 onwards, and not really being familiar with the team players before hand, it's a treat to see a baby faced Hannah Whelan and others in the lead-up to the games. In the last year she has risen from injury to become British Gymnastics poster girl, but in 2008 she was the new face on the scene hoping to make the Olympics her first major international.

One of the most heartbreaking moments was seeing Laura Jones, who appeared to make the team by the skin of her teeth (with 2 falls at the final trial) then be side-lined by injury at the 11th hour. Stan's words to her did little to help her distress. "Yeah it's a bitter pill to swallow, but zat is life. The most important thing is to mend your back... Come back January with pull power. Sadly Laura and and fellow near-miss Hannah Clowes careers faded away after their 2008 disappointment.

By contrast, all 6 of the eventual beijing team members are in the running for another shot at London 2012. Who would do all that again?! Here's what some of the gymnasts themselves thought of the film.


Hannah Whelan: Really appreciates having 'gymnast' as a memory of the Olympics, brought back memories, made me cry and love my dad in it....@michaelajw ♥

Becky Wing: I've already watched 'Gymnast' 3 times (and cried every time haha.) It's amazing to be able to relive the whole journey. Brings back so many memories #emotional

Marissa King: Great replies on ur thoughts on the Gymnast movie! Thank u 2 BBC & all u gymnastics fans out there 4 watching. I hope it was an inspiration!

Becky Downie: Just watched GYMNAST made me cry & brought back such amazing memories. Can't believe I've decided to do it all over again, I must be crazy!!