PONTYPOOL gymnast Maisie Methuen insists she can’t wait to get back out on the international stage after earning a call up for this month’s European Youth Olympic Festival, writes Ben Baker.

There has already been plenty for Methuen to celebrate in 2015, having finished second in the junior women’s all-around competition at March’s British Championships, as well as collecting silver on the beam and bronze on the uneven bars.

This followed on from a fine end to 2014 that saw the 14-year-old crowned the 2014 British Espoir (12-13yrs old) Champion in Glasgow.

But it isn’t just her domestic rivals that Methuen has been strutting her stuff against, having just helped Great Britain win team gold at a four-way international against Germany, Italy and Brazil in Ipswich at the weekend.

The West Monmouth School pupil doesn’t have to wait long to get back out in Team GB colours after earning selection for the 44-strong squad heading to Tbilisi for the European Youth Olympic Festival, with action getting underway on July 26 – something Methuen can’t wait to get going.

“I was really happy when I was told that I would be going to the European Youth Olympic Festival and it was a bit of a surprise,” she said.

“I was in the gym and my coach told me that I would be going and it was very exciting and now I can’t wait to get out there.

“It has been a very good year so far and the highlight has to be when I went to Liverpool for the British Championships. It was my first time there and I was one of the youngest and I still finished second which was really good.

“That has given me a lot of confidence and I want to carry that over to Tbilisi and do just as well out there.

“I have represented Great Britain many times before and last weekend I won gold against Germany, Italy and Brazil which was great and was a good boost ahead of the Festival.”

The competition in Georgia represents Methuen’s first steps on the Olympic ladder – one she hopes will end with her competing at a senior Games one day.

“Training has been going really well lately and if I keep this up hopefully I can keep competing in international competitions,” the Phoenix Gymnastics Club ace added.

“I hope to one day compete at a senior Olympics and going to Tbilisi shows me that I am heading in the right direction.”

To follow the team out at Tbilisi 2015 visit www.TeamGB.com or via Twitter using @TeamGB