Tweddle dreams of gold impact

The South Africa-born Liverpudlian has proved a trailblazer throughout her career, becoming the first British female gymnast to claim a medal at the European Championships six years ago and the country's first world champion two years ago.

"I think a gold would dramatically change the sport," she said. "I mean just from the results I've had, a lot of people have said they've had kids coming up to them and saying I want to be like Beth and joining clubs."

Tweddle also won gold in the all-around competition at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002.

She heads a six-strong women's squad that will compete in Beijing and while gold in either the team event or individual competition may seem unlikely, she is in no doubt the impact such an unexpected success would have.

"Hopefully, kids would get more involved with the sport. They do it at school level but it's taking it from the school level to the elite level," added Tweddle.

Tweddle, however, has fitness concerns ahead of Beijing after her training was hampered by a rib problem.

That was described as "minor but unsettling" by coach Adrian Stan and comes after a frustrating year with an ankle injury.

"The ankle's getting there," Tweddle said. "I'm happy with how it's progressing and hopefully I'll be fully fit."