History-making Emma Slevin has finished in 19th place in the All-Around final at the European Gymnastics Championships in Switzerland.
The Galway teenager became the first Irish female gymnast to reach this stage of the championships and put in a confident performance in the high-class event to improve on her 22nd position in qualifying.
Slevin finished 27th with an overall score of 50.432 in qualifying in Basel, with the Swiss event also serving as an Olympic qualifier, but only for those gymnasts who didn't compete at the 2019 World Championships.
Speaking afterwards to RTÉ Sport, Slevin spoke about competing alongside the best gymnasts in the world: "I'm absolutely delighted with that performance as well as qualification. Qualifying in 22nd position and finishing in 19th position after today is something I’m really, really proud of.
"Overall, I am just delighted with that performance. Being with the best gymnasts in the world, overall it is just an amazing experience.
Galway's Emma Slevin on being the first Irish female gymnast to reach an All-Around final at the @UEGymnastics #rtesport pic.twitter.com/NKWLmsKHYJ
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 23, 2021
"Seeing how the top athletes work - it is very inspiring to say I competed alongside them. I know what I need to work on when I go back to my gym, obviously there are improvements still that I can make, and it is just very, very motivating to know that I am in with the best in Europe.
"It was enjoyable out there - I thought nerves would take over but it was honestly very, very enjoyable for me!
"The support has been phenomenal. I would like to thank everyone for supporting me, for any gymnast coming up who is hoping to make a difference in gymnastics in Ireland just stay focused, stay motivated, do what you can.
"One thing for me is self-confidence, it is a gamechanger for me and I think I have discovered a lot of self-confidence this year and that has just helped me phenomenally as you can see from my results."
Aside from a stumble on vault, 23-year-old Adam Steele had an excellent competition finishing in 21st position.
Steele scored an All-Around total of 76.730.
Dublin-born Jessica Gadirova secured a bronze medal for Great Britain.
The Swiss event also served as an Olympic qualifier, but only for those gymnasts who didn't compete at the 2019 World Championships.
Emma Slevin improves ranking from qualification finishing 19th in Europe as Ireland's first senior All-Around finalist! Superb work Emma! 🇮🇪💚🙌🏻 #Basel2021 #GymnasticsIreland #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/RUS6OPLkQj
— Gymnastics Ireland (@GymnasticsIre) April 23, 2021
Rhys McClenaghan will compete in the pommel horse Top-8 final tomorrow from 1pm, live on RTÉ One.
Speaking ahead of the finals, McClenaghan said: "I am very happy to be back competing. I can improve my routine so much more in every aspect.
"Looking forward to showing it in the finals."
