Ottery Olympic hopeful nabs GB call-up

A YOUNG Ottery gymnast is a step closer to realising his Olympic dream after being selected to represent Great Britain.

A YOUNG Ottery gymnast is a step closer to realising his Olympic dream after being selected to represent Great Britain.

Dedicated Twelve year-old Daniel Iley's "best ever" 4th place finish at UK championships in April has bagged him a call-up to the British Gymnastic men's artistic elite performance squad.

Franklea Close resident Daniel, a year seven student at The King's School, now has his sights set on 2016 Olympic Games glory. He feels the London games in 2012 will come too soon for him.

Hard working Daniel, who sports a "never give up attitude", balances school work with a gruelling six days a week, three and a half hours a day training regime.

He said: "There is lots of ups and downs- days when you want to quit and others where you want to do more."

Proud parents Gavin and Sharon have also made sacrifices to nurture their son's talent.

Sharon said: "It takes a lot of commitment on all of our parts- and a lot of driving! We don't have any sponsorship so have to fund all Daniel's trips to competitions and equipment ourselves. It's been worth it though, he's done us proud.

"Its difficult for him, he is expected to keep on top of everything and manage his school work but is quite disciplined."

Daniel began his gymnastics career at Honiton Gymnastics club after to moving to Ottery from Scotland in 2002. He then moved onto to the Exeter Gym Club in 2006, and previously notched up respective 11th and 9th place finished in the 2007 and 2008 British Championships.