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Search forIt's Olympic jubilation for Imogen
Friday, July 18, 2008, 08:00
The 19-year-old, who competes for the Academy of Gymnastics in Portishead, had controversially been left out of the six-strong squad named last month and was only nominated as a reserve.
But an injury to Nottingham's Laura Jones has given Cairns an opening to make her Olympics debut and now she will be packing her bags next week to join the team at the GB holding camp in Macau.
“I'm speechless!” said Cairns.
“Originally when I wasn't selected I was gutted. Although people told me that in the last two Olympics people had been forced to drop out with injury, I didn't believe I was going. Now I am and it is fantastic news.”
Coach Liz Kincaid, who has guided Cairns since she was a six-year-old, was also thrilled with the news.
“I think it is fair to say we are both over the moon!” said Kincaid, who runs the academy.
“It is a reward not only for all the hard work that Imogen and I have done, but all the people at the club, all the parents and coaches who help out and look up to Imogen.
“It is brilliant news for everyone. It is a dream come true.”
Cairns is the second athlete this week from North Somerset to be selected for the Olympics after Clevedon's Kate Reed was named in the athletics team to run the 10,000m.
Mountain-bike rider Ollie Beckingsale, who comes from Backwell, will also be travelling to China.
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