I AM THE EUROPEAN POMMEL CHAMPION.........
When I won Britain's first ever All Around medal at last years World Championships, it took almost four weeks for my success to sink in, this time I knew and felt like I was a European Champion when I saw the last competitor Flavius Koczi make a small error during his routine. I think as a nation, GB has some of the best Pommel Horse workers in the world, not only at Senior level but also at Junior and Development. I knew that it was only a matter of time before we would claim the top two spots on the podium at a major championship; Gold and Silver at the European Championships what an achievement! But we always knew we could do it.....
Fresh from my success I was whisked away for two days of media interviews which culminated in sitting on the sofa with the BBC Breakfast team and the very professional Sian Williams having a feel of my bicep, what a laugh :-)...... and for a while it was the most watched video on Odd Box and just in case you missed it I thought I would post a link....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/newsbeat/newsid_8652000/8652871.stm
By Wednesday I was straight back in the gym to start preparations for the World Championships in Rotterdam. The Rotterdam World Championships are the first qualifier for the Olympics and as a team we have to ensure that we finish in the top 24 to move onto the next qualifying stage.
After lunch and during the second training session on the tumble track, I landed awkwardly during a normal routine that saw me hyper extend my legs. As a precaution I went to the local hospital that took x-rays and discharged me with a referral to my physiotherapist, the GB medical team then sent me for an MRI scan. Unfortunately the MRI scan showed a tear to my Anterior Cruciate Ligament which meant I would need an operation to reconstruct the ligament, so on Thursday I was admitted to the Lister Hospital in London. Mr William who performed the operation is one of the best in his field and said the operation was a great success and after rehabilitation I would be back fitter and stronger than before.
I now have six to nine months of rehabilitation before I can compete again, which unfortunately means I will miss the World Championships. However, the GB team does contain a strong group of excellent gymnasts who will be fighting to get into the team, including, some quality Juniors who are now ready to step up to the Senior level. I have every confidence that team GB will have an extremely successful Championships and get through to the second Olympic qualification stage - I wish them every success.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of team GB and the medical staff who have been absolutely fantastic in ensuring I get the best possible treatment.
I have always said that my success has been down to the support of everyone around me and I am forever thankful.
Dan.
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