Gymnast eyes Olympics berth

REDLAND gymnast Thomas Pichler will be battling for the sole Australian male gymnast spot in the London Olympics following poor scores by the Australian team at the World Championships in Japan.

Thomas said he had a good competition and as a team they had a great round with only one fall out of 30 routines performed.

"Unfortunately, the scores didn't reflect our performance which left everyone disappointed.

"Our aim of placing in the top 16 was out of reach and the team ended up placing 18th, meaning that an Australian team can no longer gain selection into the Olympic Games."

"This means Australia is able to send two all around gymnasts to the Olympic Test Event in January, where they will trial as individuals with a maximum of one possibly gaining selection into the games. The two gymnasts will be named following a selection trial later in the year."

Thomas was the highest placing Australian in the all around event in Japan, finishing in 38th position.

He also top scored in the floor exercise and parallel bars out of the Australians.

Bayside Bulletin, 31/10/2011