A TOP Worcestershire sports physiotherapist witnessed first-hand the Olympic magic of the “magnificent” British team winning the country’s first gymnastics medal in a century.

Mary Barnes, a sports physio based at Malvern College sports centre, was standing just feet away from the men of Team GB’s gymnastics squad when they found out they had secured a place on the podium.

Louis Smith, Sam Oldham, Kristian Thomas, Max Whitlock and Dan Purvis won GB men’s first Olympic team medal since 1912 by scooping bronze.

Mrs Barnes, of Suckley near Malvern, saw the highs and lows, the courage, skill, focus and breathtaking prowess of the gymnasts on the world stage.

She was there as a first responder at the North Greenwich Arena in London in case anyone fell or landed badly during any of the team gymnastic events.

Mrs Barnes was also on hand to provide support to some countries which did not have their own team of physiotherapists, including many Eastern European and South American countries.

The 48-year-old, who tended to the athletes during competition and training, said the team events had fortunately been fairly injury-free.

Athletes who had hurt themselves were taken away from the field of play as quickly as possible so the competition could run as smoothly as possible.

“The gymnastics is unbelievable, just absolutely incredible.

“Our boys were just magnificent. You can see people who are happy and people who are really upset.

“I was about three feet away from Louis Smith and I had to pinch myself.

“It is definitely one of the most memorable things I have done, especially as the British team won the medal.

“They didn’t expect it and they were so magnanimous.

“Their main goal had just been to qualify but to get a medal on top of that – everybody was ecstatic.

“The atmosphere was incredible. When you are watching them train, you can really see their courage.

“Their control is phenomenal. I feel very privileged. We couldn’t really shout out but everyone else was cheering. You just can’t sit still.”

The highlights for Mrs Barnes, apart from Britain’s bronze medal success, was watching Louis Smith on the pommel horse and Dutch star Epke Zonderland on the horizontal bar.

Mrs Barnes also helped with preparation for the athletes, including strapping and ice packs.