Gym trio have the world at their feet
Durham girls take to the floor in Russia
TALENTED tumbler Shanice Davidson floored her rivals at European level earlier this year - now she has her sights set on more world glory, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 18-year-old from Washington is one of three girls from Durham City Gymnastics Club - the others Rachel Davies and Megan Keely representing Great Britain at the World Gymnastics Championships in St Petersburg, Russia, from November 4-11.
Davidson will look to add to her team gold and individual bronze medals she won at the European Championships in Azerbaijan earlier this year - her first competition at senior level.
Davies, 20, is no stranger to the world stage - she is a two-time world champion and a five-time European gold medal winner.
The pair clinched their places in Russia by finishing in the top four at the British Championships earlier this year - Davidson taking the bronze medal and Davies finishing fourth.
Despite the high standard of competition expected, the trio’s coach Glenn Wharton is very confident the girls will do their country proud.
He said: “It is a terrific achievement by the girls and they will not be overawed by the occasion as they have competed at the top level before.
“The way the event works only a maximum of two gymnasts from any country can make the final but I am confident two of them will make it.
“The Chinese and the Russians are always strong and will be real threats but hopefully the girls will do well.”
Wharton added: “I have coached Shanice and Rachel for nearly ten years.
“Shanice took up the sport aged six and Rachel at seven and it is great to see the way they have developed and can now compete against the best in the world.”
As well as the senior trio, Deerness’ Sophie Allen will take part in the World Age Group Championships, also in St Petersburg, from November 12-19.
Allen will compete in the 15-16 years category - an age group in which she was crowned British champion earlier this year.