Thursday, 15 May 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Sims says farewell

Commonwealth Games all-around gold medallist Chloe Sims (QAS/AIS) has announced her retirement from international gymnastics.

One of Australia’s leading gymnasts, the Queenslander suffered a series of injuries over the past twelve months, however had been working hard to regain her fitness and form in a last ditch effort to make the team for Beijing.

However this week, the 17-year-old came to the realisation that her attempt was in vain. Succumbing to her injuries, Sims made the difficult decision to stand down from Olympic contention and retire from gymnastics after 13 years in the sport.

Aside from her Commonwealth Games all-around gold in Melbourne in 2006, Sims also collected team gold, and was a member of the team that secured a spot in the Olympic Games at last year’s world championships in Germany.

Although Sims’ withdrawal is a disappointment for Australia’s Olympic campaign, Australian women’s head coach Peggy Liddick believes the team has the strength and depth to cover Sims’ absence.

“Chloe’s decision has taken a lot of courage this close to the Games, as it has always been her dream to compete at the Olympic Games,” explained Liddick.

“Obviously at this stage of our Olympic preparations, to lose someone of Chloe’s calibre and experience is disappointing, but that is the nature of the sport.

“However, Chloe’s retirement means that the door is now open for other girls to step up and challenge for one of the six positions on offer in the Beijing team.

“We have a strong group with great depth, and we’re looking forward to next week’s nationals and Olympic trials at Vodafone Arena.”

The Olympic women’s artistic selection trials will be held in conjunction with the 2008 Australian Artistic Gymnastics Championships at Vodafone Arena from Thursday, 22 May to Saturday, 24 May 2008.

Thursday, 22 May - 12:00pm (Women’s team event)

Friday, 23 May - 7.00pm (Women’s All-Around and Apparatus Finals)

The four-day gymnastics showcase will also feature a special National Apparatus Challenge, where fans will be treated to a high-flying display by the nation’s most talented gymnasts competing for apparatus supremacy and prize money on Sunday, 25 May 2008.

End of Release

For media enquires, media accreditation or to arrange interviews please contact Gymnastics Australia Media:

David Culbert – 03 9500 0122, 0417 272 641 or david@jumpmedia.com.au

Michelle Cook – 03 9500 0122, 0430 177 668 or michelle@jumpmedia.com.au

Disclaimer: Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that material contained in this email is free from computer viruses or other defects, the attached files are provided, and may only be used, on the basis that the user assumes all responsibility for use of the material transmitted. This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity names above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify us immediately by return email or telephone +61 3 9830 4588 and destroy the original message.