Gymnast Mimi Cesar excited for Commonwealth Games

The rhythmic gymnast will be attending her second Games on Australia’s Gold Coast and the three-time British all-around medallist is a woman on a mission, hell-bent on topping the podium.

“My personal goals are to be the best version of myself when I’m out on the floor,” said the 23-year-old.

“I’ve really improved since Glasgow, so I’m really excited to show how much I have improved, and my potential.

“I would confidently say that I’m the best I’ve ever been in my whole gymnastics career – that is such a good feeling to go into a Games feeling like that.

“I am aiming for a medal, deep down. I’m confident in my team that we can do that together as well.”

Watching Cesar at the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre will be an array of home support, including her parents, her sister, her physio and her coach – an Australian who will be waving an English flag.

It is this network that has ensured Cesar’s continued progression and success within a sport that is limited in funding and exposure, something she hopes the Commonwealth Games can combat.

“The Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle of rhythmic gymnastics,” she mused.

“We aim for medals, hopefully get some funding generated into the sport and put rhythmic gymnastics on the map.

“My parents have lived my journey with me and at times it hasn’t been easy, it’s been really difficult, but those times have made me into the person I am today.

“They champion everything that I’ve gone through and they’ve supported me the whole way through. They’re just happy I’ve got to this point.”

Clearly, Cesar has taken the pressures of competing at this high level in her stride, and is using this experience to nurture other members of the Team England squad as they live and train together ahead of the Games.

One such member is Hannah Martin, who at 15 is the youngest member of the cohort.

“I’ve kind of taken her under my wing,” said Cesar. “I feel like Mummy Mimi!

“But that’s a really good feeling to be able to guide her through her first Games, seeing as I’ve been there before.

“Steph [Sherlock] was my teammate in Glasgow, so it’s really nice to do another Games with her as well.”

Cesar also sings the praises of Jazmin Sawyers, her teammate who, alongside recording artist Tokio Myers, re-recorded the Team England anthem ‘Jerusalem’ as the nation’s official anthem.

“It is amazing,” Cesar said. “I’ve watched the video so many times on Twitter, it’s really good.

“To be able to do that and compete at such a high level is inspiring.

“It’s showing people that you can do whatever you actually want to do.

“My teammates would say I’m okay, I’m not too bad. I’m probably the best singer in the rhythmic team!”

Hopefully, Cesar will get a chance to show her singing skills off if she reaches the podium in Australia.

npower is the Official Partner of Team England and is giving our athletes the power of support by recording a brand new version of their anthem, Jerusalem. To listen to the track visit npower.com/teamengland