Gymnasts could have the edge (From Warrington Guardian)

Gymnasts could have the edge

WARRINGTON'S Commonwealth gymnasts could have a slight edge over some of their rivals when they compete in Melbourne next month.

Culcheth twins Carol and Helen Galashan, who are 18 years old, will represent Scotland in the artistic gymnastics event at the Commonwealth Games and may benefit from the experience of participating in another event in Australia.

The duo won bronze medals for their country in the team event at the Commonwealth Youth Games, which were held in Bendigo in December 2004.

They stayed in this year's host city before going on to Bendigo, which is 100 miles further north, and that expedition is likely to stand them in good stead.

Carol said: "We've already been to Melbourne for the Youth Games and we're going out there on March 3 this time to train and get used to the climate.

"We're staying in the same place as last time for two weeks before moving into the athletes' village.

"The Youth Games were a run through for this time, so we know about the flights and how to recover from them."

The Galashans will also have their parents supporting them in Melbourne when they compete between March 16 and March 21 at the Rod Laver Arena, which recently staged the Australian Open tennis finals.

"It hosted the World Gymnastics Championships last year, it's a big arena and all the equipment is fantastic," said Carol.

"But there's a new code in gymnastics now and they've got rid of the marks out of 10 format. That will change things, so we'll have to see how we go with that.

"We're just going to enjoy the experience but a medal would be nice!"