Teenage Hadleigh gymnast Nicola Willis admitted today that making the Great Britain squad for next month's Athens Olympics is a "dream come true."

In top gear - Nicola Willis in the Olympic uniform she proudly collected from Earls Court yesterday Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 2TJWH3

Nicola, 19, had her selection confirmed at the third and final trial for the games when she took the bronze all-round medal at the British Championships in Guildford, Surrey at the weekend.

Nicola, who lives with her family in Dalwood Gardens and is a former Deanes School, Thundersley, pupil, captured the hearts of the nation two years ago at the Manchester Commonwealth Games when a heroic performance on the beam helped England to a silver team medal.

That success at the time marked the career pinnacle of the girl who first took up gymnastics at the age of five at a club at SEEVIC College.

But even that will be capped by an appearance in Greece for the youngster who has steadily risen to fame at the Basildon based South Essex Gym Club.

And at home yesterday, after news of her call-up for the six-strong squad had been officially released to the world's media, Nicola admitted: "It's a dream come true to have made it. "Everything about the Commonwealth Games two years ago was tremendous, but appearing at the Olympics has to be a highlight for anyone."

Published Tuesday July 13, 2004

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