OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Smith hopes to inspire next gymnastics generation

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By Sean-Paul Doran, Sportsbeat, London 2012

RACHEL Smith admitted that Great Britain’s rhythmic gymnastics team are just happy to be competing at London 2012 and hopes she can raise the profile of her sport.

THE NEXT GENERATION: Team GB gymnasts hope to encourage young watchers to take part

The team missed a target score set by British Gymnastics to prove they could compete at the Games, but won an appeal to ensure they could fulfil their Olympic dreams on home soil.

And after finishing the first day of the competition in 11th place, Smith insists she will be happy regardless of the outcome.

“What we've been through is pretty stressful,” said the 19-year-old Coventry-born gymnast.

“We hope the British public have been watching and we hope to raise the profile of the sport. That was our gold medal – qualifying.”

Team GB scored 24.150 for their routine with the five balls and will complete their campaign with three ribbons, two hoops tomorrow as Russia lead the way with 28.375.

And team member Francesca Fox admits that her team see London 2012 as a way of proving they can compete with the best.

She said: "Today we showed everyone what we can do. We haven't had our full time to train as we've had to spend time getting fundraising. If we had funding who knows what we could do.”

© Sportsbeat 2012