Emma Slevin made history this morning in Japan at the World Gymnastics Championships when she made the All Around Finals- the first Irish woman ever to do so.
She placed 21st in the Kitakyushu competition with a score of 50.165 and so was above the 24 person threshold that progress to the concluding AA final stage on Thursday 21st October at 6.30am Irish time.
Making history ⭐️
Emma Slevin has become the first Irish woman to ever reach the Women’s All Around Finals at the Gymnastics World Championships 🙌
👉 Emma scored qualifies 21st
✏️11.466 Balance Beam
✏️12.466 on Floor
✏️12.700 Uneven Bars
✏️13.533 on Vault
☑️AA score of 50.165 pic.twitter.com/p0j9hbUaAg— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) October 19, 2021
Even despite an unfortunate fall the 18 year old amalgamated 11.466 on Balance Beam, 12.466 on the Floor, 12.700 on Uneven Bars and finally 13.533 on Vault.
Speaking on the achievement the Galway woman remarked how she was “very happy” with her performance” and is finding the entire thing “a very enjoyable experience” thus far.
“I felt confident out there and despite a few small mistakes I’m very proud of how I did” she says.
“I have a great team around me that support me all the way and helped me prepare for this competition. Overall it was a great experience and I’m super excited for the final.”
Gymnastics Ireland’s Women’s National Performance Coach Sally Batley commented that they are now “looking forward to the final,” but that while they have “a few focus points to work on” the priorities lie elsewhere.
Emma Slevin has today become Ireland’s first World Gymnastics Championships All Around Finalist 🇮🇪 !
The 18 year old isn't new to making history though, read all about her story here 🤸♀️ 👇 @GymnasticsIre @EmmaSlevin2 #gymnastics #EmmaSlevinhttps://t.co/oOOh2ayDdE— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) October 19, 2021
“Most importantly we want to absorb this experience, enjoy it and show off Emma’s hard work. It’s a great way to finish off the year, I’m incredibly proud of her” she says.
Gymnastics Ireland CEO Mr. Ciaran Gallagher also added that “to say we [the organisation] are proud is an understatement!”
“Ireland’s first European All-Around Finalist in May and now our first World Championships All-Around Finalist! Emma has broken into coveted Top 24 AA gymnasts in the world.”
“A huge congratulations to Emma, her coach Sally Batley and our Performance & Technical Manager Sally Johnson. Congratulations also to Emma’s family and all at Renmore Gymnastics Club in Galway. What a start to her Paris 2024 campaign.”
For now though the next Olympic cycle is not the adjacent matter at hand and with Thursday fast approaching be sure and stay tuned for the main event at 10.30am Irish time.