11/05/11 (c/o BOA): The British Olympic Association (BOA) announced today that Great Britain will be able to utilise a Host Nation Qualification Place to compete in the rhythmic gymnastics individual competition and has the opportunity to utilise a further six Host Nation Qualification Places to participate for Team GB in the group event at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The decision was made following a comprehensive consultation with British Gymnastics, which is the National Governing Body for gymnastics in Great Britain. The utilisation of the Host Nation Qualification Places for the group is subject to the British gymnasts meeting the National Governing Body’s Olympic selection criteria.

Today’s decision was made by the BOA Olympic Qualifying Standards Panel, which among others includes Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt; the BOA’s Director of Sport Sir Clive Woodward and John Kerr representing the BOA Athletes’ Commission.

BOA Chief Executive and Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said:
“Following the exciting news that rhythmic gymnastics is one of a select group of five sports to have completely sold-out its ticket allocation for London 2012, I am pleased that Britain’s rhythmic gymnasts will have the opportunity to utilise the Host Nation Qualification Places.
The fantastic level of interest demonstrated by the ticket sales represents a huge opportunity to showcase rhythmic gymnastics and ultimately increase the long term participation in the sport throughout the UK.
The ball is now in the coaches and athletes’ court to focus on their training and performances in order to meet the selection criteria which will allow them to take up the Host Nation Qualification Places and compete in front of the enthusiastic support of the home crowd at Wembley Arena in the summer of 2012.”

Tim Jones, British Gymnastics London 2012 Team Leader said:
"We are incredibly grateful for the support received from the BOA throughout this process. The outcome gives us the green light to implement a policy to nominate a gymnast for inclusion in Team GB for the individual event, and a clear performance standard that must be achieved before we consider nominating a group. This will not only ensure our performances in the London Olympics are credible, but also provide rhythmic gymnastics with a suitable legacy for the future."

Commonwealth Silver Medallist Rhythmic Gymnast Francesca Jones said:
"It is fantastic for rhythmic gymnastics that our sport has the opportunity to be represented at London 2012, and I'm sure that the thousands of gymnasts, coaches and volunteers involved in the sport will be hugely excited by today's announcement. On a personal note, having trained for over ten years and committed a huge part of my life to the sport it is brilliant that I may now have the opportunity to complete my dream and compete in the Olympic Games for Team GB."

Notes to editors:

A London 2012 Test Event is being held for rhythmic gymnastics on 15th – 18th January 2012 at the North Greenwich Arena (O2). The event also acts as an important Olympic Qualifier and an announcement regarding tickets will be made by the London Organising Committee later this year.

Click here to find out more about rhythmic gymnastics.

The BOA has now confirmed that rhythmic gymnastics, wrestling, fencing, synchronised swimming, beach volleyball, basketball, table tennis, judo, handball, indoor volleyball, water polo and weightlifting will be able to take up Home Nation Places at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Qualifying Standards Panel is currently working with the National Governing Bodies to finalise and approve the qualification standards and pathway to London 2012 for every sport. In many cases, sports will qualify for the Games through their performance in specific international events. For a select group of sports, however, the qualification process may involve the use of a Host Nation Qualification Place.
As the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the BOA, among its many duties, is responsible for approving the eligibility and entry of all British athletes who compete as members of Team GB at the Olympic Games.

For the London 2012 Olympic Games, the BOA has stipulated that any sport seeking to utilise a Host Nation Qualification Place must first demonstrate the following:
1) The ability to deliver a credible performance during the London 2012 Games.
2) A long-term strategy to deliver a meaningful legacy as a result of the profile and visibility associated with competing in the Games, with a particular emphasis on increasing opportunities for participation by athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers at the grassroots level.

BOA: The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to transform British lives through the power of the Olympic values and the success of Team GB. The BOA’s role is to prepare the ‘Best of British’ athletes for, and lead them at, the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. The BOA delivers extensive support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values and brand in the UK.
The BOA receives no funding from the lottery or government, has no political interests and is completely dependent upon fundraising income to achieve its mission. The BOA is the strong, independent voice for British Olympic Sport. For further information, go to: www.olympics.org.uk

For further info or interview requests please contact:

BOA Communications Officer Phil Wilkinson on 07525951067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for interviews with Andy Hunt)
British Gymnastics Media Manager Tim Peake on 07825980335 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for interviews with British Gymnastics athletes and officials)