Midlands gymnasts' success to "inspire a generation"

From left to right: Daniel Purvis, Max Whitlock, Louis Smith, Kristian Thomas and Sam Oldham Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

British Gymnastics believe last night's historic bronze medal will inspire a new generation of youngsters to take up the sport.

Louis Smith from Peterborough, Sam Oldham from Nottinghamshire and Kristian Thomas from Wolverhampton become household names yesterday along with Max Whitlock and Daniel Purvis when they won bronze in the men's team event.

Last night 5.4 million people watched the final on television and 1,500 visitors to the British Gymnastics website clicked on the 'How to find a new club' page - a 10-fold increase on normal traffic levels.

Sam Oldham, who is reigning Youth Olympic high bar champion, thinks more stars will come through the system by the time the 2016 Games come around.