Getting to know Daniel Keatings

Daniel Keatings is nearing the end of the competition season and winding down for a well deserved break. Opus Energy take the opportunity to recap on his successes of 2009 and find out about his hopes for gymnastics in 2010.

"It is fair to say, you have had a phenomenal 2009. What was your highlight of the past year and why?"
"2009 has been hugely successful, not only for me but also for British Gymnastics, as we have finally arrived on the world stage and all of the historically great nations at gymnastics are talking about British Gymnasts. Personally for me the highlight of 2009 has to be the World Championships in London and my historic Silver Medal in the Men's All Around competition. To win a World Medal was always one of my main objectives but to win it in the All Around and two years ahead of my own targets is a dream come true."

"What did you originally set out to achieve in gymnastics at the start of 2009?"
"My original targets for 2009 was to win a Medal at the Europeans, which I exceeded by winning a Silver in the All Around and a Bronze on the Pommel Horse. To win back the British All Around title I lost in 2008, which I achieved in October and to make the final at the World Championships, which I also exceeded by winning my historic Silver in the All Around."

"What's your primary focus for gymnastics in 2010?"
"2010 is all about the British team and my main targets for 2010 is to hopefully lead the Senior British team onto the rostrum for the first time ever at the European Championships in Birmingham. Also, to lead the British team at the World Championships in Rotterdam and get placed in the top 24 teams ensuring qualification into the second round of qualifications for the Olympics."

"What is your first memory of gymnastics?"
"Winning a Gold medal at my very first competition; the East Midlands floor and Vault competition in 1996 aged six."

"Who is your idol?"
"The Japanese gymnast Hiroyuki Tomita. He is a very stylish gymnast."

"What are you most looking forward to in 2010?"
"The European Championships in Birmingham."

"What is your ultimate dream?"
"To win a gymnastics medal at European, World and Olympic level."

"If you could have dinner with anyone famous who would it be and why?"
"Mohammed Ali and Steven Gerrard - because both are very talented, inspirational and huge ambassadors for their sport."

"If you hadn't trained as a gymnast what would you be now?"
"I still think I would be involved in a competitive sport, probably boxing or kick boxing as my dad used to be a kickboxer."

"What is the best perk about being in the public eye?"
"Raising the profile of Gymnastics and having kids telling me that they want to be just like me!"

Read Daniel's latest blog entry

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