LONDON (GBR), FIG Office, October 11, 2009: Four days after practice had begun in the training hall at the David Beckham Academy, Men’s Artistic Gymnastics podium training got underway today in the perfectly set up O2 Arena. The session was split into the same three subdivisions as for Tuesday’s Qualification round and gave the gymnasts a first chance to get used to the venue’s specific characteristics.

We collected some impressions and quotes of gymnasts and staff in the arena:

Irish gymnast Rohan Sebastian actually lives in the USA. 'I was born in Ireland when my parents were medical trainers but I have lived in the states most of my life. I got the call to come and compete for Ireland and here I am. Training went well, but I am a little jet lagged, I had to get here on the 8am boat. The arena is huge and the podium is very nice.'

Canadian medical Paolo Bordignon said 'the podium is good, it was a little bit disorganised at the beginning but these things will get sorted out by the competition.' With regards transport, he said 'it has been fantastic - we are based in a lovely hotel in Greenwich.”

Netherlands Coach Bram van Bokhoven stated 'podium training went ok, some adjustments to the apparatus were needed. This morning our All-Around gymnast, Bart Deurloo trained. It was a little cold and a bit slow, but the arena is ok and the podium is stable. Sometimes it isn't!'

A true shocker happened to the German delegation. 2007 World Silver medallist and current European Champion on All Around Fabian Hambuechen (GER) twisted his ankle when practicing a 2½ twisting somersault on Floor, the last piece of apparatus he was working at today’s podium training. He was taken to hospital. At this point in time no predictions on the severeness of the injury or Hambuechen’s participation in the competition could be made.

Japan’s Kohei Uchimura, Beijing Olympic All-around Silver medallist was asked about his position as a top contender here in London and said “past results mean nothing. I am a challenger now and I do not feel any pressure.”

Podium training continues tomorrow for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and the men’s Qualification round gets underway on Tuesday, October 13.

We’re getting close!

Get a glimpse of the men’s podium training at our online photo gallery and check out the latest event related press review!