GYMNASTICS: Australia’s Michaela Whitehouse is shaping up to be the nation’s next big thing, after winning gold in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all–around final on Saturday morning.

Whitehouse’s overall score of 49.167 put her ahead of silver medallist Xiaolan Xu (45.733) from China, and Malaysia’s Iman Iskandar Chan (44.467) in bronze.

The 14-year-old sparkled through all apparatus, performing beautifully-executed routines with the hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon.

The win came as quite a shock to the Olympic hopeful, explaining that she never expected to go this well.

“It’s a pretty overwhelming experience. It’s very exciting for me,” an emotional Whitehouse said.

After a strong start, Whitehouse managed to stay confident, regardless of minor mistakes in her ribbon routine.

“After yesterday’s team competition I was really determined,” Whitehouse said. “My goal was top three but the fact that I won gold is amazing for me!”

The fresh-faced gymnast now has her eyes set on big plans for the future.

“Rio is always a possibility and definitely something I will be pushing towards.”

Brittany Lane
Olympics.com.au

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