Beth Tweddle's excitement for the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool 2022

Following the announcement that Liverpool would host the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships, we caught up with World, European, Commonwealth Champion & Olympic Bronze medallist, Beth Tweddle MBE.

How did you feel when you heard Liverpool had been chosen to host the World Gymnastics Championships 2022?

"I was really excited to hear that Liverpool had won the bid to host the World Championships. I was lucky enough to attend nine World Championships so be able to host one here in basically my hometown is amazing."

The World Gymnastics Championships 2022 will be one of the biggest sporting events ever to be held in the city, what does this event mean for the sport in the UK?

"I think it is a great way to inspire our younger generation and to show them the different opportunities available. Gymnastics is a great sport and is a great fundamental sport which can help when transferring into other sports. It is also a great sport for creating friendships and the social element. I have created friends for life from the sport."

What was it like to perform at the M&S Bank Arena in front of a home crowd?

"It is always a great buzz to perform in front of a home crowd and the crowd were always so supportive when performing in Liverpool. They are a really passionate and knowledgeable crowd. I can’t wait to see the atmosphere for our Great Britain team during the world Championships because if the national Championships is anything to go by it will be unbelievable."

The World Gymnastics Championships 2022 should be a qualifying event for the 2024 Olympic Games, what are you most looking forward to seeing?

"Qualification for the Olympics is always so important for the gymnasts and means that they will all be in top form trying to qualify their team through to the Olympics which for every gymnast is the ultimate dream. The standard will be incredible, and I can’t wait to be able to watch."

What can spectators and gymnasts expect from Liverpool as a host city?

A fantastic competition in the lead up to the 2024 Olympics. An amazing atmosphere with world class gymnastics on show. Liverpool as a venue has so much to offer to make it a fantastic day out for all of the family.  

What are your memories of competing at World Gymnastics Championships?

"I have so many fond memories of competing at World Championships. Obviously, 2006 was a very special World Championships becoming Great Britain’s first ever World Champion, but they all have their own special place. I loved performing at the 2009 World Championships as it was in front of a home crowd and I always loved performing in front of home crowds. It gave me a little insight into what performing at the London 2012 Summer Olympics was going to be like. It was a roller coaster of a Championships for me as I had a fall on bars and didn’t make the uneven bars final which I was really hoping to but a week later became World Champion on floor which was amazing." 

Who was your gymnastics hero that inspired you?

"Lilia Podkopayeva was my favourite gymnast when I was younger. I loved watching her in the Olympics. Her floor routine was incredible, and I watched it over and over again."

Who are your sporting heroes?

"Kelly Holmes and Paula Radcliffe. They achieved so many amazing results but had setbacks along the way. I looked up to them thinking if they have setbacks but can still achieve great things then why can’t I?"

What message would you share with young gymnasts?

"Believe in yourself and enjoy everything that you do."

Photo credit: Beth Tweddle