Kelly Simm relishing Commonwealth Games return

Kelly Simm is thrilled to be named in Team England's Commonwealth Games squad as she looks to put some recent pain behind her.
Kelly Simm has been selected for Team England's Commonwealth Games squadKelly Simm has been selected for Team England's Commonwealth Games squad
Kelly Simm has been selected for Team England's Commonwealth Games squad

The 22-year-old, from Whiteley, is included among a decorated and talented group of 10 artistic gymnasts.

They will compete for the nation in Australia in April.

Simm helped England win a team gold in Glasgow 2014.

Kelly Simm is delighted to be back on Team England dutyKelly Simm is delighted to be back on Team England duty
Kelly Simm is delighted to be back on Team England duty

But for a while last year it looked like she may not be on the plane to the Gold Coast.

Injury problems meant it was a tough 2017 for her.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She has worked hard to get back to the highest level and has now seen her dedication rewarded.

The artistic gymnastics squad also includes triple Commonwealth and double Olympic Champion Max Whitlock MBE and Claudia Fragapane, who will defend the four Commonwealth titles she won at Glasgow 2014.

Kelly Simm is delighted to be back on Team England dutyKelly Simm is delighted to be back on Team England duty
Kelly Simm is delighted to be back on Team England duty

Simm is thrilled to be part of the national team again.

She said: ‘I’m so excited. A few months ago it didn’t look like I would be back in this position.

‘I had a lot of injuries last year and it was difficult.

‘Now I’m looking forward to getting back to international competition, it’s been a while.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The aim was always to get back to this stage but you just never know. I’ve worked so hard to get to here.

‘Competing in Glasgow in 2014 seems like such a long time ago but I’m still just as excited.’

Simm was named in the squad on Wednesday and the gymnasts met up for the team kitting out event in Preston.

It was a good atmosphere there with everyone feeling confident about their prospects for the Gold Coast.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Simm is one of the more experienced members of the squad and has full belief they can continue their wave of success on the global stage.

She added: ‘It’s great seeing all the team again and going to the Gold Coast is going to be brilliant.

‘This is a really strong team and we are all excited to go out there. The aim is for the team to pick up a good result and we believe we can do that.

With the event being in Australia it will be a world away from Glasgow where the previous Commonwealth Games took place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It will certainly be a different feeling for Simm and the team from being much closer to home before.

She added: ‘We will go out a week before and have the chance to train and acclimatise.

‘They showed us some videos of the athletes village and it makes it feel more real.

‘There’s a lot of work to do before then. I’m off to Chicago first for a World Cup competition and then we’ve got the British Championships after that.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Team England’s gymnastics team leader, Mike Weinstock, said: ‘We had some really strong competition for places on the England team.

‘The team we have selected has a really good balance between youth and experience. I’m really excited to see what we can achieve on the Gold Coast in April.’