I
n first place, the mighty force that is Great Britain. In second, also-rans Russia. A description that could fit track cycling or rowing. But gymnastics?
Britain's men beat Russia at the weekend. They beat everyone else, too – Romania, Germany and France among them – to be crowned European team champions for the first time. But Russia stands out for Louis Smith, captain of the British team.
"When I was a junior, the senior team were coming 15th or 16th," recalls Smith, who won European pommel horse silver on Sunday.
"The Soviet Union, when they were together, was untouchable. For the GB seniors and juniors to be able to beat Russia and Germany and be on top is unbelievable."