AS Beth Tweddle travels around schools and gymnastic clubs as part of the traditional valedictory tour undertaken by all Olympic medallists, some people are eager to see her drape the bronze trinket she secured in London around her neck.
Just as many, she shrugs, are after a glimpse of the other trophy acquired by the Liverpudlian during a year to remember, the one earned for her celebrity stint on Dancing on Ice.
Two decades of graft, a journey that brought world and European titles, finally delivered the desired reward with a podium spot in London in the uneven bars competition. She admits, however, that "people do know me as the ice skater". That must, I venture, be a little deflating? Not so. "You don't do it for the recognition. If I was doing it for the fame and fortune, then I would have moved away from gymnastics a long time ago." The 28-year-old exemplifies the power of perseverance, realising her chief ambition at an age when most of her contemporaries had taken their leave. Yet, nine months on, we have not heard news of her expected retirement despite the rival distraction of an ambitious coaching scheme she has set up with fellow Olympian Steve Parry to provide access for the masses to their sport.
A period of post-Games reflection was always in the programme. However, in Glasgow yesterday to launch a Search scheme that aims to smooth the transition of sportspeople from their cocoons into the world outside, Tweddle is not yet ready to remove herself from the fray. Amid the obligations of a dancing tour, she is still undertaking her habitual training regime in the gym, unwilling to close her mind to the possibility of further triumphs. "There's always motivation," she declares. "There's always something else to do, whether it's a personal goal or a new routine."
That might, she hints, see her return to Glasgow next summer, potentially for a final appearance on the mat. It is 11 years since Tweddle claimed a Commonwealth gold in Manchester, an age ago. Even though the next Olympics in Rio are unfathomable, she will not rule out one more Games in 2014.
"I was always told to make sure 100% which way I wanted to go," she reveals. "Which is why I didn't announce anything straight after the Olympics. After two weeks, I was back in the gym. I just wanted it. I love doing it. It's been my life for 20-odd years and you can't just walk away from something like that. So I'm in the gym at my own discretion. The door's still open for Glasgow."
Scotland, she forecasts, is "going to have an amazing team at the Commonwealths", with Dan Keatings now restored to rude health and Dan Purvis ("a little robot") relentlessly scooping up medals around the circuit. However, the city's gymnastic focus is on the year beyond, when the world championships will be held at the soon-to-be completed Hydro Arena.
That will be a huge boon, Tweddle adds. "It's great for the sport to have it at home. It has an extra special feeling. I've been lucky enough to have Euros, Commonwealths, Olympics in Britain. Not many have that opportunity. It gives you an extra buzz. It's great for us because the 2015 worlds will be the main qualifier for the 2016 Olympics."
The nation's favourite ice dancer will be there, cheering former team-mates on. She used to be a gymnast, they'll say. With a medal as proof.
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