Tweddle looks to London 2012 after claiming world title

By Holly Hamilton and Kathryn Catney, Sportsbeat, at the 02 Arena

 GREAT Britain's Beth Tweddle has vowed to add to her gold medal collection - at London 2012.

ALL THAT GLITTERS: Beth Tweddle wins a second world title with a floor gold medal at London's 02 Arena

The 24-year old won a second career world title as she claimed floor gold at the 02 Arena, which will host the Olympic gymnastics competitions in three years time.

Tweddle had initially vowed to quit the sport following these championships, a comment made in the aftermath of her disappointment in Beijing last year, where she finished fourth after battling injury.

But the City of Liverpool gymnast insists she is now ready for a third attempt to win an elusive Olympic medal.

"I haven't ruled out London 2012," said Tweddle, now the World and European champion on the floor.

"After the disappointment in Beijing I went straight back in the gym and decided I may as well take each competition as it comes.
 
"Hopefully I'll still be here for 2012, as long as the younger kids aren't kicking me off the team!"

SOARING HIGH: Great Britain's Beth Tweddle produced a stunning floor routine and the others simply couldn't follow her lead

Tweddle was first to compete in the floor final, laying down a competitive marker that others simply failed to follow.

But she admitted the nerves almost got the better of her, as she waited for seven rivals to complete their routines.

And victory more than made amends for her failure to reach the asymmetric bars final, the world title she won in Denmark three years ago.

"I think I was more nervous waiting for everyone's results than I was before my routine," added Tweddle.

"It was hard to hold back the disappointment after the bars but my coach told me to keep my chin up and she proved me right.

"This is my best ever experience, winning the bars in 2006 was amazing but to win on the floor beats that.

"Normally you go away and you have a couple of GB flags but this crowd was unbelievable, it's usually just my mum and dad!

"To hear everyone shouting for you is just the best feeling.
 
"It's the best routine I could have done on the day, I wouldn't have changed my performance."

Tweddle’s success means Great Britain conclude the World Championships with two medals, following Daniel Keatings historic all-around silver earlier in the week.

Olympic bronze medallist Louis Smith might have disappointed in the pommel horse final yesterday but Tweddle tipped him to bounce back.

“I spoke to Louis after his disappointment and he was gutted. But seeing that really spurred me on to do better for the British team,” she added.
 
“Dan was absolutely fantastic and we’ve improved so much. Two or three years ago you were only looking for maybe one medal but now we are so much better than that."

Great Britain finished fifth on the medal table, which was topped by the all-conquering Chinese team.