Issue 473 – Commonwealth bronze for Matravers student

COMMONWEALTH bronze medalist, Francesca Fox, who is a student at Matravers School, is coming back down to earth after her success at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The 18-year-old rhythmic gymnast won bronze in the women’s team competition alongside teammates Lynne Hutchison and Rachel Ennis – the first rhythmic gymnastics medal England have won in the games. Francesca also reached the finals of the individual competition.
Francesca said, “I haven’t stopped smiling, and I’m still speechless! It’s still weird being back. When I was little I dreamed of going to the Commonwealth Games and now that’s been achieved. It was amazing, something I’m never going to forget! It was certainly a different experience.
“Once there the experience started; just being with the whole team in the Games village and seeing all the different athletes. The day before my event started the nerves arrived, but they were mixed with excitement too.”
Francesca was national champion at the age of 16 in 2008, and has performed live on BBC One at the National Lottery Awards.
After 10 days in Delhi, Francesca has gone back to life at Matravers School, where she is continuing to study her A-levels.
“They’ve helped me and supported me so much, with support and time off for training,” she said.
As for the future, Francesca now has her eyes firmly set on the London 2012 Olympics.