Beth Tweddle Retires

Beth Tweddle Retires

Aug 6, 2013 by Elizabeth Stranahan
Beth Tweddle Retires
Exactly one year after claiming a bronze medal on the uneven bars at the London Olympics, British gymnast Beth Tweddle announces her retirement from competitive gymnastics. Tweddle leaves the sport as one of the most decorated and certainly the most recognizeable female gymnast in British history becoming the first British woman to receive an Olympic, European, or World Championship medal. 


Beth Tweddle at the 2011 World Championships. Photo by Melissa Perenson.

In the British Gymnastics Press Release issued earlier today, Tweddle made this statement regarding her decision and her illustrious career: "It's been a hard decision to make; gymnastics has been and always will be a massive part of my life. Following the Olympics I've had a lot of projects on and recently I've had a bit more time to get back into the gym and decide whether I could put 100% into it and I know now deep down I can't commit to the hours and training to remain at the very top. I'm going to miss being part of the team, my teammates, my personal coach Amanda Reddin, the buzz of the competition and achieving your dreams."

Tweddle's retirement, however, does not signify a withdrawal from the sport as a whole. British Gymnastics already nominated Tweddle to the FIG Athletes' Commission where if endorsed, Tweddle will continue her involvement in promoting and shaping the sport. If nothing else, Tweddle's legacy as a competitor impressed those she worked closest with. Martin Reddin the Executive Director of Technical and Education, British Gymnastics had this to say about Tweddle, "Beth has always stood out for having had a love for everything about gymnastics and a burning desire to get better. Whenever I went to the Liverpool gym or when I saw her train at Lilleshall, she was always first in the gym and the last to leave. When she made a name for herself on bars she wanted more and worked to become an accomplished all-arounder. She was the only gymnast I have seen who had the work ethic to match that of her coach. Whatever it was going to take to be the best she was prepared to do it...I doubt we will see the like of her again." The true picture of athleticism and professionalism, Tweddle enraptured her country and captivated fans around the world.

Watch more video of Beth Tweddle on gymnastike.org

During Tweddle's time as a compeitive gymnast, she participated in three Olympic Games and won three World and six European Championship titles. In 2002, at Tweddle's first European Championships, she took home a bronze medal on the bars becoming the first British female gymnast to achieve such a feat. In 2003, Tweddle earned a bronze on bars at the World Championships establishing herself as the first British woman to obtain that accomplishment as well. In addition, Tweddle reigned as the British Senior all-around champion from 2001-2007. After representing Team Great Britian at the Athens, Beijing, and London Olympic Games, Tweddle finally received a bronze medal on the bars in 2012 signaling a great end to a remarkable career.

Tweddle will certainly be missed from the sport of gymnastics. In the British Gymnastics Press Release, Tweddle stated, "I don't think my achievements will ever really sink in but when I do look back I can be very proud of what I've done and how I've done it. I guess if there was anything I wanted to pass on from my time in the sport it would be that you should never let any obstacle get in your way. With hard work there's always a way to succeed and always a way to achieve your dreams." In honor of Tweddle's accomplishments, the Chobham Academy is supporting the opening of a gymnastics academy in Tweddle's honor called the Beth Tweddle Academy that will train gymnasts ages 2-14. The school is set to open in September with the academy to become operational in October. The academy stands as a testiment to Tweddle's positive influence on British gymnastics.

To read the entire British press release concerning Tweddle's retirement click here.

Or, click here to read the interview with Beth Tweddle after the 2012 London uneven bars final. 

Beth reflects on the Top 3 Routines of her storied career in this video by British Gymnastics: 

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