• Commonwealth Games

Gymnast Smith targeting Commonwealth Games

ESPN staff
January 8, 2014
Louis Smith revealed that the Commonwealth Games could be his last major sporting event © PA Photos
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Olympic gymnast Louis Smith has confirmed his return to training in an attempt to qualify for and represent England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Smith won individual silver and team bronze during the London 2012 Olympic Games, before he decided to take a break from gymnastics.

However, the 24-year-old revealed he is aiming for another medal in Glasgow but if he qualifies the Commonwealth Games would be his "last hurrah."

"I'm not done with gymnastics yet. I have unfinished business," Smith told BBC Sport. "I believe I can very much compete amongst the best in the world and challenge for medals.

"People may assume that my achievements to date will mean a place in the team. However, that couldn't be further from the case. The strength in depth in this country is at a level it's never been before, with a large number of hugely talented gymnasts all competing for places.

"I will have to earn my place on the team, which is not going to be easy. Even if I achieve the necessary standards, it will still come down to the selectors.

"Should I qualify, this will be my last hurrah. The 2012 Olympics were everything to me and I believe that without the successes that I had there my life could have taken a very different path over the last year and a half.

"So I can go to the Commonwealth Games knowing that whatever happens, I will have achieved everything I ever dreamt of in gymnastics."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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