As the Youth Olympic Games draw closer each day, let’s continue our look at some of the top athletes competing in Nanjing.

Pictured: Ellie Downie

Elissa “Ellie” Downie—Great Britain

We’ve seen quite a bit of excellent gymnastics from both Ellie and her older sister Becky in the past year, especially at the 2014 European Championships in Sofia. Ellie was part of the historic silver-winning junior team and made history again with her bronze in the individual all-around, which was the first ever for a British woman. She will likely be a strong contender in the all-around competition in Nanjing!
 

• Birthdate: 7/20/1999

• Hometown: Nottingham

• Club: Notts Gymnastics Academy

• Coach(es): Claire Starkey, Ian Kime

• Notable accomplishments:

          2013 WOGA Classic team bronze/VT silver

          2013 British junior AA bronze/VT gold/UB silver/BB silver

          2014 English junior VT silver/FX bronze

          2014 European junior team silver/AA bronze/VT gold

 

Sydney Townsend—Canada

Sydney comes into the YOG as one of the more experienced “veteran” gymnasts, having competed on the elite scene since 2011. The extra years of experience will hopefully serve her well to provide her with confidence as she takes on tough international competition and a high-pressure environment. She has battled through many growing pains and aches recently but has overcome these challenges and has proven herself in order to earn her spot on the team for the YOG.
 

• Birthdate: 12/24/1999

• Hometown: Contestogo, Ontario

• Club: Revolution Gymnastics

• Coach(es): Aaron and Angela Brokenshire

• Notable accomplishments:

          2011 Canadian junior VT silver

          2012 Canadian junior AA gold, FX gold

          2014 Junior Pan Am team gold, BB 4th place

          2014 Canadian junior BB bronze

 

Antonia Alicke—Germany

Antonia boasts a special honor at the 2014 YOG as the tallest female gymnast in the field. At 5’6,” she displays beautiful lines and lots of twisting elements that remind us a bit of Nastia Liukin, especially on uneven bars and floor. However, Alicke does not have as much international experience as some of her competitors, so she will be looking to gain confidence for the future through strong, solid performances that prove she is ready for additional assignments with the German national team.
 

• Birthdate: 2/14/1999

• Hometown: Talheim

• Club: TG Boeckingen

• Coach(es): Robert Mai & Marie-Sophie Probst-Hindemann

• Notable accomplishments:

          2013 German Youth (age 14) AA bronze/VT bronze/UB gold/BB silver/FX silver
          2014 German Youth (age 15) AA bronze/VT silver/UB gold/BB gold/FX gold

Relates:
YOG Schedule and Viewing Options
Meet the Athletes Part 1