Kenilworth-born Francis makes an immediate impression for Jamaica

Danusia Francis, centre, with coaches Vince Walduck and Justin Howell and Jamaica team-mates Maya Williams and Toni Anne Williams.

A 66th-placed finish for Francis at the World Championships in Glasgow has earned Jamaica a place at the Olympic Test event in Rio in April.

Never before have Jamaica been represented at Olympic level in gymnastics.

The achievement was made all the more remarkable as Francis, who became a full Jamaican citizen earlier this year through her Jamaican heritage on her father’s side, was competing with two fractured ribs.

A former member of the British team, having competed at previous World and European competitions, she now attends UCLA in the States as part of the powerful Bruins team.

When asked how she felt about her achievement she said: “It’s been such a fun competition and I was so proud to wear the colours of Jamaica in front of the world.

“To get a place for Jamaica at the test event is the icing on the cake and I look forward to getting Jamaican gymnastics recognised.

“The achievements of Jamaican track and field stars is known around the world but I, along with my team-mates, want to make people appreciate Jamaican gymnastics and get more youngsters involved in the sport on the island itself.”