Cardiff teenager determined to leave Olympics with no regrets

Cardiff teenager Ruby Evans is heading into her first Olympics with a “no regrets” mindset.

The highly-rated 17-year-old will make history this summer as the first Welsh woman to represent Team GB in artistic gymnastics since Sonia Lawrence in 1996 after earning selection in the 13-strong squad for Paris 2024.

Evans' ultra-cool character was first highlighted when she was spotted dancing and singing to other competitors' floor music at last year's World Championships, but she says she can activate it when the pressure builds.

“Once I’m on stage, I feel like I have to show what I’m doing,” she said.

“So I have to put on that game face, that I'm calm and I'm just here to do my job but I don't really like to put pressure on myself.

“I feel like whatever’s going to happen is going to happen anyway. So I might as well go for it, be calm and do my best.

“I go to my own zone. I don't really talk to people. I just stay to myself.

“I’ll put on some music because it just helps me get in the zone. Once I get out, it's completely different. My mood changes and when I'm out there I know I have to do my job.

Evans rose to prominence on her World Cup debut by winning silver on vault and bronze on floor, and her stock rose further by competing in a stunning European team silver medal in May.

Despite his impressive performances, Olympic selection wasn't really on his radar.

“When I was first told I was fine, but now we're getting closer, I'm like 'oh my god'.

“I was involved in a World Cup the day I found out, so I woke up a little bit early to get the phone call and I didn't really understand.

“I was almost a little disconnected, it was just unreal. I competed the same day and had a good competition after the good news.

“I was so proud when I found out I had been selected. It's amazing to hear, a little scary, a little nerve-wracking but I'm just going to enjoy it.

“I don’t want to have regrets. I'm obviously going to be focused but I want to enjoy the experience.

Evans is one of more than 1,000 elite athletes taking part in UK Sport's world-class National Lottery-funded programme, allowing them to train full-time, have access to the world's best coaches and benefit from innovative medical support – which is vital for its journey to Paris 2024. Games.

Of the six men and seven women selected for the Team GB artistic and trampoline squad, eight are Olympic debutants and five are returning Olympians, including three-time gold medalist Max Whitlock.

“Team GB have proven themselves to be serious medal contenders in all three selected gymnastics disciplines and it is fantastic to be heading to Paris with athletes who not only have Games experience but also the experience of standing on the Olympic podium,” said chef de mission Mark. England.

Whitlock will spearhead the men's artistic team and become the first gymnast to win four Olympic medals on the same apparatus if he adds to his two golds and a bronze on pommel horse in Paris.

“This Olympics is even crazier for me because it will be my last,” Whitlock commented.

“I’m excited to trust the process and give it everything I have because there’s nothing to lose at this point.”

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