IT was back flips all round as a young Drumchapel gymnast secured her place on the Scotland team at next month’s 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Member of the City of Glasgow Gymnastic Club, 17-year-old Carly Smith booked her place in the national side alongside four of her teammates for the summer showcase.

And, the youngster admitted she can’t wait for the Games to get underway.

She said: “Knowing I will be representing Scotland in this year’s Commonwealth Games is a truly amazing feeling.

“I’m over the moon to have have secured a place on Team Scotland and I just can’t wait for the Games to begin.

“Having the Games in Glasgow makes it all the more special as I will be doing it not just for my country, but my home city too. Hopefully I’ll be coming home to my friends and family in Drumchapel with a medal.” Carly joins Amy Regan, Cara Kennedy, Adam Cox and Liam Davie as the City of Glasgow’s representaties in the squad.

Over the past two years the gymnasts have been working round the clock to further develop their skills in preparation for the Games.

This has involved a highly intensive training programme and successfully competing across Europe. With competitions including the Scottish, British and Northern European Championships.

Rod Smith, head coach at City of Glasgow Gymnastics, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have five of our talented athletes competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. To say we are extremely proud they will be representing Scotland is an understatement.

“Securing a place in Team Scotland requires tremendous skill, focus and commitment and our athletes have most certainly put in the effort and hard work to secure their place on the team. We wish each of them great success.” Adding: “Having the Games in our home city has created a fantastic buzz around the club, and to have some of our gymnasts and coaches involved in the 2014 Commonwealth Games is terrific news.

“It not only demonstrates the great commitment of the club to the Games, it also offers great inspiration to our younger gymnasts hopeful of competing in Australia in 2018.”