Following the recent news that Becky (24) and Ellie (16) Downie will be the first British gymnastic sisters to compete together in an Olympic Games, the sisters were pleased to receive an offer of help on the transport front.

While air travel may be laid on the for the Olympic team, the athletes still need to make their own way to the airport! To help them get their journey off to a good start, Volkswagen Van Centre Nottingham has offered to provide a Transporter Kombi van to hold their kit and support crew.

Ellie and Becky Downie (l-r) at Nottingham VW Van Centre

As Becky explains:

“It might not be completely obvious by our sporting discipline but we have a lot of equipment and a dedicated support team so getting everything to the airport was becoming a logistical nightmare.”

David Starr, head of business at Volkswagen Van Centre Nottingham, said:

“We are delighted and proud to support Nottingham’s gymnastic stars. The five seat Transporter Kombi will have plenty of space for passengers and equipment and we feel sure it will be a comfortable drive for them.

Becky is currently the 2016 European bars champion and competed in the Beijing Games. Younger sister Ellie is the 2016 vault and floor European silver medallist and the BBC Young Sportsperson of the Year. Rio 2016 will be Ellie’s first Olympic Games.

Becky said:

“I was so pleased to be selected for the team again.  It was a big decision to carry on for this Olympic cycle but I knew I had more to give and having my sister there will make it even more special.

We wish both sisters and all of Team GB all the best in Rio!