Olympics-Gymnastics-Briton Downie chases medal after Tokyo snub

PARIS -Rebecca Downie has arrived in Paris with dreams of capturing her first Olympic gymnastic medal after being controversially left out of the British squad in Tokyo.

The three-times Olympian was among a host of British gymnasts who in 2020 spoke out about the abusive culture they endured in the sport, and her omission from the Tokyo team a year later felt like backlash.

Downie was dealt another blow when her younger brother suddenly passed away as she was attempting to qualify for those Games.

"Honestly, it still feels like it wasn’t real life at points," Downie, 32, told reporters on Thursday. "It’s really hard to put into words."

Her love for gymnastics and hunger for success helped Downie battle back and proudly represent Britain in Paris, however, and she is finally feeling welcomed and valued again.

"Right now, I can’t complain. I love being back and being part of this team," Downie said.

Downie, who made her first Olympic appearance in 2008, performs some of the highest difficulty moves on the asymmetric bars, her best event.

"It's a huge bar field," Downie said. Challengers will include Algeria's Kaylia Nemour and China's Qiu Qiyuan, as well as American Olympic all-around champion Sunisa Lee.

Downie, a member of the British team since 2006, finally secured her first individual World Championship medal in 2019, placing second on bars.

But a podium finish in Paris would be sweetest of all for Downie.

"The reason I chose to come back was (because) the dream has always been an Olympic medal," she said.