By Mike Rowbottom

Lynne Hutchison_1_MarchMarch 2 - Britain's rhythmic gymnasts will hear within the next week if their appeal for inclusion in the London 2012 Games following the announcement that they had not met the agreed qualification criteria has been successful.


A Sports Resolutions arbitrator will decide whether the group, based at the University of Bath, have achieved the standard for the London 2012 Olympic Games as set out by British Gymnastics.

The independent arbitrator heard evidence from both the group and British Gymnastics at a hearing in London earlier this week.

The arbitrator's role is to consider whether the national governing body correctly applied and adhered to its selection policy.

If the group's appeal is successful, it is understood British Gymnastics will recommend that the British Olympic Association take up the London 2012 host nation place when it is expected to announce the gymnastics team on July 4.

Francesca Fox_March_1
In the meantime, the group is continuing to train in preparation for the European Championships in Russia in May.

The gymnasts will also compete at the Nordic Cup in Sweden this weekend.

Britain has never competed in the group rhythmic gymnastics competition at an Olympic Games.

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