Olympic bronze medallist Alice Kinsella has described her selection for the Great Britain artistic gymnastics team for the upcoming World Championships as “completely surreal,” marking her return to international competition just a year after becoming a mother.
The 25-year-old will compete in Rotterdam between October 17 and 25 alongside world medallists Abigail Martin, Ruby Evans, Becky Downie, and Alia Leat. Kinsella, a two-time European champion, made history in March when she finished fourth on the beam at the British Championships, becoming the first British artistic gymnast to resume elite competition following childbirth.
Speaking on her emotions, Kinsella said: “I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now. My goal was always to be ready to compete properly next year, and to now say I’m going to the World Championships just feels completely surreal.”
The athlete, who also married over the summer, added: “I feel so incredibly proud of this achievement. To think I’m going to the World Championships just over a year postpartum is insane. It’s been a tough year, but I don’t regret my decision to come back to elite sport at all. There was nothing stopping me from reaching that goal.”
Kinsella expressed excitement about sharing her journey with her son in the future, noting, “I can’t wait to tell this story to Parker when he’s all grown up; it’s a big one to tell!”
The men’s team for the Netherlands event includes double world champion Jake Jarman and Olympic bronze medallist Harry Hepworth. Representing Britain will also be Scotland’s Reuben Ward, three-time world medal winner Joe Fraser, and double world medallist Courtney Tulloch.
Can’t wait to hear her tell Parker this story one day. What a role model she is becoming.
Surreal but deserved. Her European titles speak for themselves, and the GB team looks strong for Rotterdam.
Does anyone know if Alice has competed in any other major events since returning? The article mentions a fourth place finish.
Four years old and she’s already beating four. History in the making for British gymnastics.
Incredible dedication! Returning to elite sport a year postpartum is truly inspiring for mothers everywhere.