Sport

Teenage Portavogie gymnast set for world championships

A County Down student teacher is hoping for glory in Glasgow at this year’s World Gymastics Championships, which get under way today.

Nicole Mawhinney (19) from Portavogie is competing at the SSE Hydro in the city for Team Ireland, having previously competed there last year for the Commonwealth Games.

It’s the first time the world's largest gymnastics event has come to Glasgow, and more than 500 gymnasts from 80 countries will be battling it out for medals and to secure a place at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nicole, who is studying at Stranmillis College, says being so close to home will  be a huge advantage to her and her fellow team members.