Rio 2016: Sky Scholar Sam Oldham appeals after not making Team GB gymnastics Olympics squad
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 24/03/17 11:55am
Sky Scholar Sam Oldham is "gutted" at not making the GB squad for the Olympics and has appealed the decision by British Gymnastics.
The Olympic Association unveiled on Tuesday the 13 gymnasts who will compete for Team GB in Brazil.
In the men's artistic field, world pommel horse champion Max Whitlock and three-time Olympic medallist Louis Smith were chosen, along with Kristian Thomas, Nile Wilson and fit-again Brinn Bevan, who broke his leg in two places in November.
However, after fighting back from injury niggles and impressing in the recent Olympic trials, Oldham has decided to contest the decision and has revealed his emotions over the omission.
The Sky Academy Sports Scholar, chosen as one of the reserves for Team GB for Rio, said: "I'm incredibly proud of myself and all my loved ones and support team for what we have achieved in the past two years.
"I'm absolutely gutted that I have not been selected for the Rio Olympic team. I have no regrets, I did everything I could and I will be forever grateful I was able to get back and compete at such a high level again after the injury I suffered.
"I feel blessed to have fallen in love with gymnastics once more. I want to wish the men's and women's teams the best of luck in Rio. Do us proud guys."
The 23-year-old from Nottingham suffered ankle ligament damage at the Commonwealth Games in July 2014 and returned to competitive action nine months later.
Competing earlier in July at the London Open, the final trial for the Olympics, Oldham was third overall in the all-around and won the floor exercise.
Oldham said after the competition on July 4: "I'm very proud of my performances at the two Olympic trials and have no regrets which is all you can really ask for as an athlete."
He was also part of the bronze-winning team at the London Games four years ago and was hoping Rio would be his second Olympics.
