Nile Wilson has taken the European high bar title on the final day of the 2016 European Championships in Bern, Switzerland.

With a daring and extremely difficult routine, Nile managed to hold off the competition and post a strong score of 15.300 to take the gold in his first senior Europeans. Nile’s closest competition was in fact teammate who also performed superbly to score 15.000 and make it a 1-2 for GB to take the silver medal.

It is the first time a British gymnast has won the European high bar title; making these an historic championships for GB as the team goes from strength to strength in the lead up to Rio.

Nile Wilson reacted after breaking history: “That feeling is just incredible; you train your whole life for moments like that standing on the top of podium singing the national anthem with a gold medal. I want to thank everyone at home for their incredible support, my club my coach and everyone at British Gymnastics and all the support team - I’m so proud to have done it for everyone. To be standing there with our team captain Kristian, someone who has helped me so much and is such a great role model makes it even more special. I felt the nerves before my routine but had to stay focussed, I knew I had it in me and I did it. We move forward to focus on Rio now – let’s do this!”

Kristian Thomas spoke after: “It’s a great way to end the event personally and for GB. Nile deserves huge credit to go last out and produce a routine like that. I’ve had a brilliant week, it’s been all about consistency and proving the kind of from I’m in and to then end with a silver medal on the podium with a teammate is perfect.”

GB was also represented across several other senior finals. On the pommel horse, world silver medallist unfortunately lost his hand placement half way through his routine and slipped, rolling backwards off the pommel. With a complex routine, he still finished strongly scoring 14.733 and placing 4th.

In the floor final, Great Britain was represented by and Kristian Thomas. Kristian performed a strong routine, upping his game from qualification scoring 15.041 which gave him 6th. Dan had to count a few unstable landings in his routine, ending up with 14.633 and 8th place.

Courtney Tulloch was representing GB in the rings final, Courtney held his own in a very strong final, showcasing incredible strength and scoring a 15.566 to finish in in =4th.

In the vault final, Kristian Thomas performed a very strong first vault, posting a world class score of

15.533. His second vault was a slightly lower difficulty and with a pace back on landing her scored a 14.733 giving him and average Kristian 4th 15.149 average and just missing out on a medal in 4th.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

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