Becky Downie's remarkable gymnastics career has been a rollercoaster ride of triumph and adversity. The 2019 World Championships marked a significant milestone for Downie, as she secured her first individual world medal - a silver on the uneven bars. This achievement ignited her ambition to chase Olympic glory, a dream that was cruelly hampered by a series of unfortunate events.
Downie's journey to the Tokyo Games was marked by an unprecedented challenge. The postponement of the Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to start her preparation anew. As a 28-year-old gymnast, this was a major hurdle, demanding immense physical and mental resilience. However, this was not the only obstacle Downie faced.
The global athlete-led movements against abuse in sport led Downie and her sister Ellie to become the most high-profile British gymnasts to speak out against a toxic culture within the sport. They bravely detailed experiences of weight shaming, overtraining, and verbal abuse, hoping to spark change. Unfortunately, their courage was met with backlash from influential figures in the sport, leading to the loss of sponsors and a decline in their public image.
"It went from cloud nine, being world medallists, to the bottom of the pack," Downie says. "We lost everything."
The impact of this experience was compounded by the tragic loss of her brother, Josh, just days before the Olympic trials in Cardiff. He died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition during a cricket match. Despite this devastating loss, Downie demonstrated remarkable fortitude, resuming training days later to pursue her Olympic dream.
Despite her resilience, she was controversially excluded from the Olympic team and even the reserves. This decision, coupled with the insensitive response from British Gymnastics towards her grief, left Downie feeling deeply let down.
Despite the heartbreak, Downie's journey is far from over. She remains a beacon of inspiration, preparing for her third Olympic Games at the age of 32.
Her career is a testament to her unwavering dedication, consistently producing some of the most innovative and difficult routines in the sport. She has earned 10 European medals, two world championship medals, and a coveted signature move, the "Downie."
Despite her impressive achievements, Downie has faced a series of setbacks, including being omitted from the London 2012 Olympics and now the Tokyo 2020 Games. However, her determination to compete at the highest level remains undimmed.
"The main thing that's kept me going is the dream of having an Olympic medal," says Downie. "I genuinely believe that I have the quality of routine to get where I want to be."
Beyond her own ambition, Downie's influence has helped to reshape the perception of women's gymnastics. Previously seen as a sport dominated by teenagers, her career is a testament to the possibility of achieving excellence at an older age.
"People are learning that you can manage your body and actually, be stronger and do bigger skills when you get older," Downie states. "It's been really cool to see the shift. It's been an honour to be part of that shift."
Her commitment to exposing abuse within the sport and her dedication to defying ageism in gymnastics has been recognised with MBEs, awarded earlier this year to her and her sister Ellie.
As she prepares for Paris 2024, Downie knows that her impact on the sport extends beyond her own performance. Her legacy is cemented through her bravery and her relentless pursuit of excellence.
"I think whatever happens this year, no Olympic medal can come close in that respect," she says. "What we've been able to do, the legacy is massive."
Becky Downie's journey is a captivating tale of resilience, determination, and a powerful voice for change. As she steps onto the Olympic stage in Paris, she carries the hopes and aspirations of a new generation of gymnasts who have been inspired by her unwavering pursuit of her dreams.
