IRISH ACE SLEVIN EARNS FINAL SPOT
EMMA SLEVIN will make history in Tokyo tomorrow morning when she becomes the first Irish gymnast to compete in a World Championship All-Around final. The Galway teenager placed 21st in yesterday’s qualifiers with a score of 50.165, with the top 24 advancing to tomorrow’s final. It is the second time this year that Slevin has made gymnastics history as back in May she became the first Irish competitor to qualify for the same finals in a European championship. ‘I’m very happy with my performance and it was actually a very enjoyable experience as well,’ Slevin said. ‘I felt confident out there and despite a few mistakes, I’m very proud of how I did. ‘I have a great team around me that support me and help me prepare for this competition. Overall it was a great experience and I’m super excited for the final.’ Slevin had scored 11.466 on Balance Beam, despite an unfortunate fall, with 12.466 on the Floor, 12.7 on the Uneven Bars and finally 13.533 on Vault. Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher says that she had now broken into the world’s elite All-Around gymnasts. ‘Ireland’s first European AllAround finalist in May and now our first world championship All-Around finalist. Emma has broken into the coveted top 24 AA gymnasts in the world – to say we are proud is an understatement,’ said Gallagher. ‘Congratulations also to Emma’s family and all at Renmore Gymnastics club in Galway. What a start to her Paris 2024 campaign,’ he added. Rhys McClenaghan, who made history earlier this year as the first Irish gymnast to compete at an Olympic final, competes in the Pommel Horse qualifying this morning, looking for a place in Saturday’s final.