SWINDON gymnast Stephani Sherlock is looking to build on her domestic success by making her mark on the European stage this week.

The 20-year-old claimed the senior all-round crown at the British Championships last July in Liverpool, taking the title from fellow Esprit teammate Laura Halford, who was forced to settle for bronze.

The duo both earned call ups to represent Great Britain at the European Championships, which start on Friday in Budapest, as a result of their domestic success and now Sherlock is looking to take that form into this competition.

“I am feeling ready and excited for the European Championships ahead,” she said.

“It’s an honour for me to have been selected, so I will do what I can to represent Great Britain.

“I want to give it my best performance and to show the improvement and progress I’ve made this year.”

Sherlock has been working on new routines since her British success, concentrating on the new Olympic rules as she sets her sights on earning a place at the Tokyo Games in 2020, with the European’s being her first chance to roll them out.

However, the Russian-born gymnast owes a lot of her success down to her coaches at Esprit, which has become her second home over the years.

“I am incredibly thankful to Deb Hows, my Esprit Gymnastics head coach, and Ruth Wilson and everyone at Esprit, who are doing so much to give me optimal training here in Swindon,” added Sherlock, who admits the competition with Cricklade’s Halford is a healthy one.

“I believe it is brilliant motivation for me and Laura, we are good friends, and although we don’t see each other often, as Laura is now based in central training in Wales, we just want to get the best result possible for our country.

“The European Championships is a fantastic opportunity and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.”