Olympic ambition: Jennifer Pinches hopes to be in GB gymnast team

These are nervous days for Whaley Bridge teenager Jennifer Pinches, as she waits to hear if she will be representing Great Britain at the London Olympic Games in July and August.

Jennifer, 18, is one of Britain’s top women gymnasts, and trains regularly with three times world champion Beth Tweddle at Liverpool. Jennifer is hoping to be in the GB women’s team of five.  Decision day is 4 July, after the British championships at Liverpool on 23-24 June.

Jennifer took part in the world championships in Tokyo last autumn, playing a key part in the British team’s qualification for the Olympics.  She has taken a year out from her A level course at King’s School. Macclesfield, because of the time taken in training, and will return to complete her A levels in the new school year starting in September.

Head of the school’s sixth form Ruth Roberts said:  “The school has been glued to Jennifer’s performances and we are thrilled for her success.”  Jennifer is cautious about her prospects, merely saying she has ‘a good chance’ of making the Olympic team.

Gymnast Jennifer with her dad Ian - three brothers are fans, too

Jennifer has plenty of support at home, too, with three younger brothers. Her dad Ian, who runs a management consultancy business from home, also plays  drums and lead guitar in the band  Hotblack, which recently performed at the Whaley Water Weekend.  Other members are brother in law Andy Ross, singer, Nigel Eastmond, guitar and Phil Bancroft, bass, all happy to sing Jennifer’s praises.

Jennifer has been a gymnast since she was nine.  She is said to have become interested in the sport after seeing a clip on Teletubbies!