Medal boost for Smith

Updated 10.17 Mon Aug 18 2008

Keywords: Olympics, Louis Smith

Team GB has scooped an unexpected medal at the Olympics in the guise of teenage gymnast Louis Smith.

Smith claimed bronze in the pommel horse in the National Indoor Arena in Beijing to become the first individual British gymnast for a century to gain a podium place.

Smith claimed bronze in the pommel horse in the National Indoor Arena to become the first individual British gymnast for a century to gain a podium place

The best previous effort - by either an individual or a team - was Walter Tysal's silver in the all-around in Stockholm.

The 19-year-old from Peterborough said: "All week people have been talking to me saying 'Do you feel ready?' I've told them thousands of times I was so up for it."

His victory follows up a bronze medal in pommel horse at the World Championships in Stuttgart last year.

"So many people have worked hard with me over the years and I'm just glad I have been able to do them proud as well, not just myself," added Smith.