By Tom Degun

spain 19-01-12January 18 - The London 2012 gymnastics test event, titled Visa International Gymnastics, has drawn to a conclusion but there was a disappointing end for Britain's rhythmic gymnastics team as they agonisingly missed out on a spot at this summer's Olympic Games on home soil.

The team scored 44.950 in group qualifying which meant they fell just 0.273 marks short of the target set by the British Olympic Association (BOA).

"We went through a process with the British Olympic Association of agreeing a standard we felt would show credible performance," said British Gymnastics performance director Tim Jones.

"It would have been a score that gave us a platform to launch rhythmic into the next four years, but there wasn't any leeway.

"They will not be nominated for London 2012."

The event was won by Spain (pictured) with a score of 53.250, while Israel picked up silver with 50.525 and France and Greece shared the bronze as they both scored 50.400.

In the women's individual event, Daria Kondakova of Russia took gold with 110.450 points, Ukraine's Ganna Rizatdinova the silver with 108.750 and Anna Alyabyeva of Kazakhstan the bronze with 108.075.

Francesca Jones, who represented Wales at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, finished last of 25 at the test event with a score of 88.600 but is still expected to compete at London 2012 for Britain after reaching last year's World Championships.

Earlier in the event in the artistic gymnastics team qualification event, the British men's team took the gold medal ahead of France and Spain to confirmed their place at London 2012.

"It was amazing, especially the support from the home crowd," said British gymnast Daniel Keatings.

"We had to pull together as a team after Tokyo [World Championships], but the crowd really lifted us."

seb coe_and_bruno_grandi_19-01-12The event was also hailed a success by International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Bruno Grandi (pictured right with London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe) of Italy who praised the organisation of the test event.

"Gymnastics is one of the most closely followed sports in the Olympic Games," he said.

"I am persuaded that London will provide our gymnasts, the media, the public and our technical staff with an optimal training environment, an efficient reception and impeccable working conditions."

In total, over 50,000 tickets were sold over the course of the seven day competition and Debbie Jevans, the London 2012 director of sport added her satisfaction at how things went.

"The Visa International Gymnastics was the largest test event that we have run to date," she said.

"As an Olympic qualifying event we had to ensure everything was delivered to the highest standard and the team performed really well.

"The event has put us in great shape for delivery of the Games time event in what is a spectacular venue."

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