OLYMPIC CALL-UP: Gymnast Smith selected for Rio

Louis Smith in action in the mens pommel horse final in the 2012 London Olympics.

Smith, who was raised in Eye, near Peterborough, was revealed as a member of the Great Britain Artistic team to compete in the 2016 Games in Rio next month. The gymnastics competition starts on August 6.

“It’s fantastic news,” Smith enthused. “To go to my third Olympics is unbelievable. It’s been an amazing journey with these guys. All three Olympics have meant something different for me.”

Smith won a bronze medal and a silver medal on the pommel horse at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics respectively with the former marking the first time a British gymnast had placed in an Olympic event since 1928.

Louis Smith with his silver medal from the London 2012 Olympics.

Smith was also part of the Great Britain team that took the bronze in the men’s artistic team all-around at the 2012 London Olympics.

It’s expected Smith will specialise on the pommel in Rio.

More to follow