Glasgow marks start of Olympic quest

By Ed King

British Gymnastics GP Glasgow, 25-26 October

Glasgow may be an unlikely setting for a Gymnastics Grand Prix, but there's no denying its appeal to the sport's top stars.

Gymnasts from the world's five continents will be arriving at the Kelvin Hall for the British Grand Prix, among them European, World and Olympic champions.

Competition is usually fierce, but this year the participants have an added incentive - the chance to impress their rivals ahead of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

And for eight gymnasts who have not made their national side, or whose countries have not entered next year's event there is also the chance of claiming one of the governing body's eight Olympic wildcards.

With less than a year to go till the games, Glasgow also provides a chance for the individual competitors to hone their routines, and add in the odd twist, turn or jump to impress the judges.

One man who has been in that position many times is Commonwealth gold medallist Craig Heap, who will be at the Kelvin Hall with Grandstand this weekend.

Marian Dragulescu is great to watch on the vault - the height and power he generates is unbelieveable Craig Heap

"What you'll see during the competition is a lot of mind games, new elements being added to routines, and coaches studying their opponent's tactics," he says.

"They want to see how the judges react, and work out if it is worth adding that extra bit of risk to gain some more points.

"The recent World Championships saw a lot of the guys tied in first place - so they'll be keen to see how they can escape from the pack and claim overall gold."

Once again the Eastern Europeans have a strong contingent arriving, with Romania's Marius Urzica, 'The King of the Pommels' leading the way.

Watch out for the current Olympic Champion's speciality, a one-handed 720 degree spin on the pommel - and keep your eyes peeled for Bulgaria's Jordan Jovtchev, a rings specialist whose power strikes fear into his opponents.

"Jovtchev is unbelievably strong," Heap says, "sometimes he makes it look so easy he looks like he's being supported by invisible hands.

Photo gallery Ones to watch in Glasgow

"Everything he does is so sharp and precise; it's little wonder he has so much respect from all the other gymnasts."

For sheer excitement Heap recommends tuning in for the vault and high-bars, events that are carried out both at high speed, and at tremendous risk to the competitor.

"Marian Dragulescu is great to watch on the vault - the height and power he generates is unbelieveable - the others can't come close to it," Heap says.

"A couple of the guys have tried to copy his style, but they're still in traction.

"It is quite a dangerous sport - if you misjudge a jump or turn you can end up head-butting a steel bar!"

Russia's Elena Zamolodchikova and Uzbekistan's Oxana Chussovitina are two to look out for in the women's event, but all eyes in Glasgow will be on Britain's sole Olympic hope, Beth Tweddle.

At only 18 she is by far and away the best chance the country has of a medal here and in Athens, and arrives on the back of a Bronze medal at this year's World Championships.

"Considering her age she has coped very well with all the pressure on her," Heap says.

"When I watch her train I'm always struck with how natural it is for her, Beth always looks fresh and has a genuine chance here.

"She may be 18 but when she's out there competing she has the maturity of someone ten years older."

Britain will be hoping Tweddle can put on a performance at the weekend, but for all the gymnasts, this Grand Prix is much more than just a chance to win a medal.

Glasgow marks the start of a journey that ends in Athens next year, and if they are to win an Olympic gold it is essential they get the best possible start at the Kelvin Hall.