GB's Amy Tinkler wins gymnastics bronze
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Amy Tinkler will finally get her shot on the ice this weekend after secretly training for months.
The Olympic gymnast will be replacing Denise Van Outen after she was sadly forced to pull out of Dancing on Ice due to injury.
Fortunately, Amy has been preparing for the competition with professional skating partner Joe Johnson for in case of this exact eventuality.
The 21-year-old was Team GB's youngest medallist at the Rio Olympics in 2016 when she won the bronze medal in the floor exercise at the age of 16.
Amy is Britain's second most successful female gymnast with one Olympic and one world medal, as well as three European medals and 10 British titles.
However, she made the heartbreaking decision to retire last January at the age of just 20 because of traumatic experiences.
Amy's career was rocked by injury, but she made it very clear this was not the reason she retired.
She was forced her to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and subsequently missed the European Championships in 2019 after having a third ankle surgery.
A few months after she retired, Amy announced she had submitted a formal complaint about her experiences as a gymnast to British Gymnastics.
In a statement, Amy said: "I submitted a formal complaint to British Gymnastics in December 2019. It was an account of my experiences as a club and elite gymnast, and the experiences I shared were the reason for my retirement in January, not a physical injury as was suggested by some at the time.
"My complaint was submitted in accordance with the British Gymnastics complaints policy by a legal team from Irwin Mitchell LLP. After eight months, I'm no closer to having any feedback or outcome."
She praised some of her fellow Olympians, including Beckie and Ellie Downie and Louis Smith, for bravely speaking out.
"I'm heartbroken by the stories that have been told over the past week," continued Amy.
"I'm so proud of my fellow gymnasts who have shared their stories, I know how hard it is, and your bravery has been a shining light and inspiration in dark and troubling times for the sport we love.
"It took a lot of support and counselling to build up the courage to tell my story. I would like to thank Scott and the team at South Essex Gymnastics Club for everything they did for me, without their help I would never have had the strength to begin this journey. I hope someone now listens to us."
© REUTERSTinkler on her way to a Bronze
Gymnasts from all ages and levels of the sport went public to reveal instances of bullying and abuse which have prompted British Gymnastics to launch an independent review.
British Gymnastics confirmed it had received formal notification of the complaint from Tinkler last December.
"She provided full details of this complaint to us on 10 March 2020, which then allowed the investigation to proceed," it said in a statement.
"It is at an advanced stage and we have kept Amy fully informed and provided her with the appropriate support and we will continue to do so. We can make no further comment at this stage in the process."
© PAAmy will be making her debut on Dancing On Ice on Sunday
Amy will be stepping in to fill the gap left by Denise, who was forced to withdraw from the competition on doctor's orders.
Denise fell and injured her shoulder just hours before the Dancing On Ice launch show but bravely still skated with her pro partner Matt Evers.
Confirming she was leaving the competition, "gutted" Denise said she tried to carry on but a recent MRI scan showed she had three bone fractures and a partial dislocation.
Being left in unbearable agony and unable to do any lifts, tricks or solo skating, Denise decided to graciously bail out.
This left a spot for Amy, who took to Instagram to announce she would be taking part in the series.
"For the past 3 months Joe and I have been working super hard as the reserve team for @dancingonice and we're super excited to say we will be in the show on Sunday," wrote Amy.
"We want to wish @vanouten_denise a very speedy recovery, you have been so kind to us and we wish you all the best
"I can't wait to show you all what we can do!
"Thank you Joe for being the most amazing partner, you're the best! Lots of love."
Denise responded in the comments, writing: "Go get em! I'm so excited for you both."
Professional skater Joe thanked Denise, adding:
Amy also told Denise that they would make her proud, while Joe added: "Can't wait to hit the ice with @amytinkler and show everyone what we've been up to."
*Dancing on Ice airs Sunday on ITV at 9pm