BRIDGWATER gymnast Laura Gallagher described her selection for the Tokyo Olympic Games as "an absolute dream".

The 32-year-old, who hails from Westonzoyland and is a member of Quayside Trampoline & Gymnastics Club, will be making her Olympic debut as one of two Team GB trampoline gymnasts.

She joins Bryony Page, who was a silver medallist at Rio 2016, in the team.

While this will be Gallagher's Olympic debut, she is highly experienced, having represented Britain at European and world levels for many years, taking team titles at both.

She produced one of her finest performances to date in 2019, qualifying for the final at the World Championships, which secured a Team GB place at the Tokyo Games.

She went on to finish a career-best sixth in that final.

Reflecting on getting the nod for Tokyo, Gallagher said: "It feels quite surreal to have been selected for the Olympic Games, after so many years of hard work and perseverance, and so many people involved in helping me to get to this point in my journey over so many years.

"I do feel really, really proud to be representing Team GB, and I can’t wait to get out there and give everything I’ve got and do myself and everyone on this journey with me proud.

"I’m aiming to enjoy every moment of this whole experience, it’s an absolute dream.”

Gallagher initially broke through as Under-19 World champion in 2007, and won World team silver in 2011, European team gold in 2012 and World team gold in 2013.

But she suffered a back injury in 2014, and struggled to regain fitness before taking seven months out of the sport.

She made a triumphant return in 2017, though, becoming British champion in September, and helping Britain clinch bronze at the World Championships in November of that year.

Mark England, Team GB chef de mission for Tokyo 2020, commented: "Congratulations to Bryony and Laura on their selection to Team GB for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

"“It is a great privilege to be able to welcome Bryony back onto the team; a silver medallist who wowed fans with her performance at Rio 2016, and we know that the podium will be firmly in her sights for Tokyo.

"It has been fantastic to watch Laura’s performances at both European and world competitions over recent years, and her selection to Team GB is fully deserved.

"We wish them both the very best of luck.”

James Thomas, British Gymnastics performance director, added: “We are delighted to be announcing Laura and Bryony as our trampoline gymnasts for Tokyo 2020.

"Both gymnasts have proven themselves amongst the world’s best for many years and are outstanding ambassadors for the sport.

"Bryony made history in Rio, winning Team GB’s first ever trampoline medal, while Laura, in qualifying for the World Championship final at the Ariake Arena in 2019, cemented her place in the record books of British trampoline.

"We are very proud to have them as part of the team.”

The Olympic Games are scheduled to start on July 23, running through to August 8, with the trampoline events to take place on July 30-31.