OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Thomas expects bright future for British gymnastics

By Sean-Paul Doran, Sportsbeat, London 2012

KRISTIAN Thomas is predicting a bright future for Great Britain men’s gymnasts as their London 2012 campaign continued to make history.

HISTORY AGAIN: Kristian Thomas and Dan Purvis secured best individual finishes for Team GB in more than a century

Thomas finished in seventh place in the individual all-around final, with teammate Dan Purvis in 13th, as both Brits made history for the second time in three days – after securing Team GB’s first team medal for a century.

The pair’s positions were Britain’s best in the individual all-around final since 1908 and Thomas believes the young team can improve further as they eye success in Rio 2016.

“We have a great squad and great personal and national coaches and everything is looking very positive,” said the 23-year-old, who helped Team GB to an unexpected and historic bronze medal on Monday.

“Although we did not quite manage to get a medal we are going to keep working and aim for a medal next time.”

European Championship winner Thomas produced a fine performance, including an impressive 15.566 on the floor, to keep him in touch with the leaders from the start.

However, a slight fall on an intensely difficult vault routine resulted in a below-par score of 14.908 and hampered Thomas’ unlikely medal chase.

And Thomas, who finished with an overall score of 89.406, was pleased to be successful on home soil as he prepares for Monday’s individual vault final.

He said: “Everything went really well bar the vault and usually that is my favourite piece. The home crowd was outstanding and I want to thank everyone for their support.”

Teammate Purvis, fresh from an impressive performance in the team final, finished on 88.332 as Japan’s three-time world champion Kohei Uchimura took gold ahead of some tough competition.

And 21-year-old Purvis admitted that the unexpected attention following their historic medal may have affected his preparations for a tilt at individual success.

“It was quite a big shock after the medal and all the media attention,” said Purvis.

“It was a new experience for everyone and Kristian and I have had little time to get back in the gym. But, no excuses.”

© Sportsbeat 2012