Gynmast King desperate to be crowned Queen of Beijing

GREAT BRITAIN gymnast Marissa King insists she is desperate to prove herself on the world stage as she prepares for her Olympic debut in Beijing next month.

The 17-year old rising star joins up with Team GB just a year after stepping up from the juniors into the senior squad.

But that will not stop her from aiming high with her sights firmly set on the Olympic final at Beijing's National Indoor Stadium.

"I want to hit my peak, my ultimate dream is to make a vault final at the Olympic Games," said King who competes in the artistic gymnastics.

"I have always dreamt of going to the Olympics - I want to go out there, do my job and compete better than I have ever competed before in my life.

"Seeing the other athletes and being in the Olympic Village will be a massive help for me for many years to come.

"I can't wait to get there and show the world what I can do."

King burst onto the gymnastics scene in 2007 with a bronze in the British team championships followed by the same prize in the Olympics warm-up event in Beijing.

Elsewhere, there is heartbreak for her team mate Laura Jones, 16, who has withdrawn from the squad.

A slipped disk left Nottingham-based Jones no choice but to concede her place to Imogen Cairns, 19, who will make her Olympic debut.

"It is desperately sad that Laura has had to be withdrawn as she was such a strong member of the team," said British Gymnastics Performance Director, Matthew Greenwood.

"But we feel that Imogen is an ideal replacement. This is a great indication of the strength and depth in the squad."

TOM HARVERSON