Cork teenager Mimi Moloney qualifies in top 24 in Artistic Gymnastics European Championships

DOUGLAS teenager Mimi Moloney qualified on Friday in the top 24 at the Artistic Gymnastics European Championships in Rimini, Italy, in what was described by Gymnastics Ireland as a huge achievement.

The Cork 14-year-old finished 19th in the All-Around with a combined score of 45.998 at her first Junior European Championships.

Mimi said she was thrilled at qualifying, and she was generous in thanking her teammates in Gymnastics Ireland, singling out coaches Tash Day and Emma Hamill and all at Douglas Gymnatics.

“I’m really happy with my performance at my first Europeans, I’m delighted with my final place in the top 24.

“There are always going to be elements I need to work on to improve and develop my skills and I plan along with my coaches to do this over the coming months,” she said.

"I would like to thank Tash for her expertise not only this week but over the last number of years. Also to Emma Hamill and all who support me in Douglas Gymnastics.

“I would also like to thank Sandra, Colm and all at Gymnastics Ireland for their continued support [and] Colin O’Shaughnessy of Elite Fitness who keeps me strong,” Mimi added.

“It takes a team and I’m thankful to all and my family who have helped to get me here.” Sandra Stevenson, Gymnastics Ireland national coach, said she was absolutely delighted for Mimi, Tash and the team of coaches at Douglas Gymnastics Club.

“Very proud of the mature and composed performances Mimi displayed throughout the competition today. It’s great to see the gymnasts develop through our squad pathways and successfully take the next step on their gymnastics journey,” Ms Stevenson said.

Sally Johnson, Gymnastics Ireland performance and technical manager, said she was delighted for Mimi for placing in the top 24.

“We look forward to Mimi’s further development in the next cycle as she progresses through to senior level,” she said.

Ciaran Gallagher, CEO of Gymnastics Ireland, complimented Mimi what he called a superb performance in placing among Europe’s top 24 gymnasts.

“She had a superb All-Around, [and] if it was not for an unlucky fall on Beam she would have been close to a beam final.

“As ever thank you to Sport Ireland and the Sport Ireland Institute for their ongoing support of the Gymnastics Ireland performance program,” he said.

Mimi Moloney- Results 

All Around: 45.998 

* Beam: 12.766 

* Floor: 12.233 

* Vault: 13.233 

* Bars: 9.766 

Attention now shifts to the Gymnastics Ireland National Series National Championships on May 18 and 19 in the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.