Hucknall gymnasts Becky and Ellie Downie look to be on their way to Rio 2016 after helping team GB women make history at the world gymnastic championships in Glasgow.
Becky, 23, and Ellie, 16, were part of the first ever Team GB gymnastics team to earn a medal at the competition.
The result also means the team have qualified for the Olympics in 2016, the best result prior to this being fifth place in Tokyo four years ago.
Speaking at the Rushcliffe Leisure Centre in West Bridgford where the sisters train, Becky said: “We were going into it eyeing a top eight finish so that we could qualify for Rio so I couldn’t believe what we achieved.
Next year will be intense
“Doing what we did in a home arena made everything so special; before the event there were hundreds of fans waiting for us to sign autographs, it was crazy.
“Next year will be intense as it’s Olympic year so there will be added pressures, but we need to stay focused when we are in the gym and just keep training.”
VIDEO: The Downie sisters warm up at Rushcliffe Leisure Centre
Becky has previously represented Team GB at the 2008 Olympics and was a reserve for London 2012.
Ellie will be performing in her very first Olympics next year.
She said: “I’m nervous and excited at the prospect.
“What was great about our success in Glasgow is that we knew we had a chance if everyone did their job, which everyone did.
“What’s great about performing in the same team as my sister is that we both have strengths in different places.”
In the vault event at the world championships, Ellie finished a credible fourth.
Speaking about inspiring others through what they have achieved, Becky said: “I would say to people to never give up and never stop.
“Even when things go wrong, you have to come back strong for either yourself or the team; you have to keep believing.”
