Tweddle coach hails medal achievement
Beth Tweddle's proud coach said her Olympic bronze was a "fantastic" swansong for the Team GB gymnast.
Speaking after today's final of the uneven bars at North Greenwich Arena, Gary Kirby predicted the 27-year-old will now "hang up her hand guards".
Mr Kirby, one of Beth's coaches at the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club, said: "I don't think words can express what a fantastic achievement today was.
"Beth has got a full collection now - medals from the Commonwealth Games, the European and world championships and now today's Olympic bronze, which had eluded her over the years.
"It's the result of years of dedication and commitment. She's been training 36 hours a week and she has been doing that for the last 15 years.
"And it has paid off. Countless hours in the gym, the commitment and the dedication has resulted in a fantastic achievement today.
"It's certainly the last time she'll don the hand guards I would think, unless she decides to do another four years - one never knows.
"In Beijing she finished fourth by .005 points and that inspired her to do another four years, now she's got today's medal - at the age of 27 and the grandmother of the team - she will at least be looking forward to a holiday."
Beth is one of four City of Liverpool gymnasts in Team GB - alongside Jennifer Pinches, 18, Hannah Whelan, 20, and 15-year-old Rebecca Tunney.
They train at Park Road sports centre in Toxteth, where a celebration is being planned for their return.
Mr Kirby, who is also gymnastics development officer for Liverpool City Council, added: "Beth is a true ambassador, not just for gymnastics and sport but also for the City of Liverpool.
"She's always there for the younger gymnasts, willing and able to give advice or help with anything they have problems with."
Beth's success over the years has helped her win the hearts of Liverpudlians and scores of people gathered in front of a giant TV screen in the city centre to cheer her on.
Among them was the city's Lord Mayor, Councillor Sharon Sullivan, who said: "Beth is a true inspiration for young people across the nation.
"The whole city is so proud of her for achieving Olympic success. She has completely transformed the image and reputation of British gymnastics during her incredible career and has proved to be a fantastic ambassador for the sport and our city.
"There is no greater honour than to represent your country on the world stage and it is great that a City of Liverpool gymnast is coming home with a medal."