She was only three years old then.Ĭan you tell us a little bit about what it’s like to have not one but two high performing athletes under one roof? How did Ellie get involved with the sport?Įllie only got involved in gymnastics as we were at the gym every day with Becky and we thought her doing the preschool class would stop her getting bored. We have lots of other committments, with one being my 18-year-old son Josh, who is off to Australia on a cricket scholarship in September. Unfortunately I can’t go to China to support Ellie, although I would love to be there for her. Are you also going to hop on a plane to China? Now, you’ve been to both Sofia and Glasgow so far this year with your girls. She is not nervous, yet I am…but I am sure a few nerves will kick in on competition day. She obviously would love to bring home a medal of whatever color – her favorite event is vault so we will have to wait and see. The most emotional competition of the year for all of us was most certainly European Championships, though there were plenty of happy tears.Ĭan you tell us how Ellie is feeling now that she’s about to leave for Nanjing? Is she more nervous or excited? Does she have any goals she’s set for herself?Įllie is very excited to be going to China and very proud to be selected. As part of our profile on the younger Downie, The Gymternet spoke to Helen about life as a gym mom with two kids on top.įirst of all, how has this year been for you so far? I bet it has been a whirlwind of emotion with all of the competitions. The training, competitions, travel, and media appearances that come with being one of the top athletes in your nation takes a toll, but Helen Downie is on double duty. It’s difficult to imagine the stress on the parent of just one elite gymnast. As one of the top juniors attending, Ellie has a massive shot at taking home top prizes when the Games begin next week, adding to the already weighty collection of international medals earned by the sisters. The Games, which began in 2010 in an effort for junior athletes to gain recognition and experience before embarking on their Olympic journeys. When 2008 Olympian Becky Downie returned home to Nottingham after picking up two gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, she didn’t have much time to spend with her younger sister, Ellie.Įllie, who turned 15 last month and trains at Notts Gymnastics, was packing up to leave for Nanjing, China, where she will represent Great Britain at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.