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Irish gymnast Emma Slevin makes history in Japan

She’s the first Irish gymnast to qualify for AA final of world gymnastics championships

Emma Slevin of Ireland competes in the floor exercise during women’s qualification at Kitakyushu Gymnasium. Photograph: Toru Hanai/Getty Images
Emma Slevin of Ireland competes in the floor exercise during women’s qualification at Kitakyushu Gymnasium. Photograph: Toru Hanai/Getty Images
Tue Oct 19 2021 - 13:12

Ireland's Emma Slevin has made history again by becoming the first Irish gymnast to qualify for the coveted all around finals of the World gymnastics championships.

The 18-year-old placed 21st with a score of 50.165. The top 24 gymnasts in the world progress through to the AA final which will take place on Thursday at 6.30am Irish time.

Slevin already made history in May of this year by becoming the first Irish gymnast to qualify for all around finals in a European gymnastics championships - with this competition being the first in her Paris 2024 campaign.

Slevin scored 11.466 on balance beam, even with an unfortunate fall; 12.466 on floor; 12.700 on uneven bars and finally 13.533 on vault giving an AA score of 50.165.

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“I’m very happy with my performance today and it was actually a very enjoyable experience as well,” the Galway native told Gymnastics Ireland after the event in Japan.

“I felt confident out there and despite a few small mistakes I’m very proud of how I did. 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 added:

“It has been a fantastic opportunity to compete out here in Japan, it’s one more competition under our belts where we’ve gained great experience on the international field. We’re looking forward to the final, we have a few focus points to work on but 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.’

Rhys McClenaghan - who also made history for Ireland this year by becoming the first Irish gymnast to compete at an Olympic final - will compete at the qualifiers on pommel horse on Wednesday (at 7.10am Irish time).