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Commonwealth Games 2022: Gravesend gymnast Georgia-Mae Fenton defends uneven bars title in nerveless fashion

Gravesend's Georgia-Mae Fenton defended her Commonwealth Games title in nerveless style to put her mixed emotions from her first night bow in Birmingham behind her.

Fenton helped England win team gold on Saturday but was left smarting after failing to qualify for the women's all-around title.

Gravesend gymnast Georgia-Mae Fenton at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Sam Mellish / Team England
Gravesend gymnast Georgia-Mae Fenton at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Sam Mellish / Team England

However, she produced a brilliant display on the uneven bars on Monday to edge Australia's Georgia Godwin and South Africa's Caitlin Rooskrantz into the minor medals.

“I’ve been trying to work on my all-around and be more consistent, so I’d loved another chance at that, but to come away with another gold, I’m super happy," said Fenton, who will compete again in today's beam final.

"I came in confident, strong, and wanted to do my normal routine and that was enough.

"I love these big occasions; it's why you do all the hard work to compete when the lights are on you and the pressure is on.

“It’s the work and preparation at home that leads to this, the main thing for any competition is to trust yourself.

"I’m trying to do that more and it’s really working.”

Arena Birmingham has been packed for every session and English gymnasts have duly rewarded the home fans by dominating - they've won seven of the nine gold medals awarded so far.

But Fenton stalks the floor with her headphones clamped on, ignoring the melee which unfolds around her.

“I listen to quite hardcore hip-hop, that gets me in the zone," added the 21-year-old former Meopham School student.

"I like to stay within myself and not focus on other things going on. I listen to music constantly, mainly old school rap like Dr. Dre.

“I keep a close eye on certain things and know what to look out for. I look at the scores but don’t focus on them, that helps me stay in my zone.”

Fenton will look for more success in the beam before turning her attention to the European Sports Championships in Munich later this month, with the longer term aim the World Championships in Liverpool later in the year.

The Europeans represent a step up from Birmingham but she believes she's in shape to contest again.

“I need to clean up my execution a little bit," she added.

"There’s a connection I can do but that’s an in-the-moment thing if one of the moves is good enough.

"If I was to do that sort of routine, it should at least be final at the Europeans, then whatever happens, happens.”

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