Under the spotlight.....

Welcome to Winterville Arena, Day 10 of the Alernative Olympic Games where Artistic Gymnastics is in process.

The Arena is packed with spectators from all corners of the world supporting their country and loved ones as they compete. I see Aunty Polly who has come from Great Brittan to support her niece Hebe from New Zealand. Aunt Polly is wearing a lovely purple and white scarf the same colour of Hebe's leotard.

Hebe has started her routine which is very clean as she straddles the bar before moving into a double twist. She's in perfect form with her moves precise and flowing. There's a hush amongst the spectators as she performs pirouettes...and then a gasp....her skirt of her leotard is caught! Aunt Polly is clutching her scarf while Hebe is left dangling upside down like a spider! But Hebe's not phased, with a controlled push her skirt becomes free and she moves smoothly into a backward circle before continuing with half turns and handstands gliding from bar to bar. With lovely pointed toes and straight legs, Hebe finishes with a beautiful backwards straight somersault from the high bar with a triple twist landing with both feet firmly on the ground....she nailed it!! A perfect landing.

Aunt Polly is standing with the spectators waving her purple and white scarf, she's so proud, while the crowd is clapping and roaring! What a fantastic routine for young Hebe who is just 16 years old, the youngest competitor in the Artistic Gymnastics. We wait for the judges decision, has the hooked skirt cost her? There's a pause.....and it's a 15.666, a brilliant score! Bronze for Hebe, her hooked skirt did cost her some points but what a fantastic result for such a young competitor!! I'm sure we'll be seeing Hebe competing in four years time at Japan.

Edit: Part of our native flower Hebe, this tiny floret is just 1cm as it hangs upon a spiders web basking in winter sun. Thanks to osuzanna for hosting tiny Tuesday and also to dbifulco for hosting the Alernative Olympic Games (AOG)

Happy Tuesday everyone :)