Kelly Simm not ready to retire after stunning Commonwealth gold
Kelly Simm insists she's not quite ready to call time on her international career just yet.
But if this is really it for the 27-year-old Hampshire gymnast she's certainly made it a golden farewell.
Simm joined forces with Claudia Fragapane, Georgia-Mae Fenton, Alice Kinsella and Ondine Achampong as England defended their women's team gymnastics title at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
She was just 19 when she made her international debut at the Games in Glasgow, winning team gold there too.
She also won team silver and beam bronze in the Gold Coast for years ago - but she admitted this one would take some topping.
"Being part of this, getting all that amazing support from a home crowd, with friends and family watching, that feels amazing," she said.
"Claudia and I were together in Glasgow and that seems a lifetime ago, sharing that moment with her is something I will never forget. It’s emotional to think about, it gives you goosebumps.
"I'm not calling retirement yet, I'm still a reserve for the European Championships next month so it's back to the gym to get ready for that now.
"I think it's fair to say that's it for me and the Commonwealth Games, to have represented England three times is something I will always cherish.
"Claudia and I have had amazing careers and eight years from our first competition to now is a very long time for a gymnast.
"We're just going to enjoy this moment and how much we've overcome to get here."
England's men claimed their team title by a thumping margin 24 hours earlier but this tussle between England and Australia went right to the wire.
Ahead into the final rotation, with Australia's gymnasts on the floor and England's on the vault, the hosts were ahead by just 0.05 points.
However, Kinsella - who comes from just down the road in Sutton Coldfield - and Achampong nailed their efforts to also underline why they'll be among the favourites for further medals this week.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved. Just making the team, with all the juniors coming up, it wasn’t my best day but I have to remember that making the team is a great achievement," added Simm.
“Our impact on the younger members of the team puts things in perspective. It’s really special and we have to remember to keep our heads high all the time.”
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