Television presenter Suzanne Dando, who was British champion gymnast when she competed in the 1980 Moscow Olympics at the age of 17, believes Smith has what it takes to be a star at the Beijing Games later this year.

Smith (19) is sweating on his selection after crashing out of the European Championships in Switzerland last weekend. He does however have a bronze medal on the pommell horse from the last World Championships to his name and he has achieved the necessary Olympic qualification.

Dando believes the Huntingdon Gym Club member should be selected for the GB team despite falling off his favourite piece of apparatus in Switzerland.

She said: “Louis is tall for a gymnast which is normally a disadvantage, but he has long arms and great upper body strength and his height-weight ratio is bang on, allowing him to swing with fluidity.

“He has mastered the continuous flow judges look for, has a naturally elegant line and works an incredibly difficult routine. He fell in Switzerland, but we all do that in our career.

“All pieces of apparatus require technique, but pommel especially so and winning Britain’s first men’s world medal in 13 years at the age of 18 confirmed that judges recognise exceptional technique.

“Preparation for a gymnast is everything. Louis puts in more than 30 hours’ training every week in the basic elements and he’s a real cool customer.

“He delivers in the most stressful of situations which is impressive in one so young. He’s disciplined, listens well and has a good working relationship with his coach Paul Hall.

“He was very relaxed on the day of European qualification and has a genuine love of competition, so it is hard to believe his fall was anything more than one of those occasional mishaps.

“Talking to him, I sense a burning desire to win. He has tasted success and wants more of it. He is in a specialist apparatus where a Chinese rival is outstanding, but he still talks quietly of his determination to aim at gold, not settle for a lesser goal.

“If he stays as focused as he is this year – and gets that Olympic place – I believe he can achieve everything he wants.

“You either have star quality or you don’t. He is a natural. He carries himself well, is warm and friendly, well liked among team-mates and he has presence.

“That, combined with his natural gymnastic ability, means he can become a star, no question.”

Smith is battling two other top British performers for one of two Beijing Olympic places. His clubmate Daniel Keatings won the European Junior Championships in Switzerland last weekend, while the more experienced Kristian Thomas is also in the running.

Smith is one of seven potential Olympic Champions for London 2012 being tracked by The Daily Mail newspaper. His progress to be in contention for this year’s Games has been mightily impressive.