British Gymnastics recently caught up with British Juniors Emily Crowe and Ellie Downie at Lilleshall National Sport Centre during their National squad training.  Both girls unfortunately had setbacks late in 2012 but are determined to fight back this year. We caught up with the girls to find out what 2013 has in store for them.

Second year Junior, Emily Crowe from The Norfolk Academy of Gymnastics is well known for her impressive floor work which she proved when she secured the silver  medal in the 2012 British Junior floor final. She told BG that although it was hard missing out on the recent Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) after an injury to her elbow she stayed positive and is looking forward to what the rest of year has in store for her.

“I was disappointed to miss out on the AYOF after being selected for the team but I kept motivated by thinking about all the other competitions I have coming up. I’m working with the physiotherapist and everything’s going well and now I’m getting back into training.”

GB team mate Ellie Downie from Notts Gymnastics is also no stranger to success, the younger of the Downie sisters had an extremely successful year in 2012 after taking home four gold medals at the UK School Games including the all-around title and in the same year she also took the all-around silver at the Espoir British Championships. Ellie also had an unfortunate set back before the AYOF trials but is now back to full fitness and is also excited for the year ahead.

“I had to water down my routines a bit at the AYOF trials, I had a dis advantage as I hadn’t trained bars for three weeks after injuring my thumb but I came back well and I’m pleased with how it went. I’m back to full training now and excited for 2013. I’m looking to do a few upgrades such as a double straight on floor and bars but other than that I’m just looking to get back into everything and get competing again.”

Both girls will be back in action very soon as the 2013 season kicks off and Emily has already set herself another challenge.

“I’m looking to compete at the junior English and the British Championships as my next major events. And although I missed out on the AYOF, this year it is also the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) so that’s one of my main goals looking forward.”

With the Men’s Women’s British Championships being brought forward in 2013 to the 22-24^th March at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, both girls will be looking to make their mark.

Ellie “It’s going to be strange competing all-around at the Echo Arena for the first time as a first year junior. It’s a really big  arena compared to when I was an Espoir and there will be a lot more people competing but I’m really excited to get out there and perform.”

Emily “I have more confidence now I’m a second year junior and I’m looking forward to the British but I know the younger girls are all so good so they keep me on my toes!”

Both girls are part of the Junior National Squad and are eligible for Rio 2016, Ellie knows that’s her goal but is looking to take everything one step at a time.

“It’s great to see what everyone’s doing when we come together at training camps; it helps push you further in training. If you see someone doing harder skills it makes you want to push yourself and do them too. 2016 is far away but it’s definitely a goal I’m working towards. I just focus on each competition as it comes. My next competition is the WOGA Classic in Texas later this month. Im going with my GB team mate Rhyannon Jones and I’m really excited about it.”

We look forward to seeing the girl’s progress as juniors this year and admire their determination and hard work.

You can watch the Women’s Junior British Championships at the Echo Arena on the 22^nd-24^th March alongside the senior women and the junior and senior men. For more information on the Championships, please click here.

Check out Ellie and the 2012 Women’s British Team Championships on floor.

Check out Emily on Beam at last years Junior Women’s British Championships.