Shropshire leads the world when it comes to gymnastics training centres, according to one of the sport’s greatest icons.Russian superstar Svetlana Khorkina has been at Lilleshall’s National Sports Centre this week to advise British Gymnastics on how the sport should be developed.

She has also taken part in a series of coaching clinics with gymnasts from British clubs, including Park-Wrekin, Newport and Telford.

Speaking through her translator, British national squad coach Zoltan Jordanov, she described the national training centre at Lilleshall as ‘world class’.

“If only we could have this gym in Russia!” she said.

“We have quite good facilities but not as good as Lilleshall. British children are very lucky to have it.”

Her comments were echoed by Jordanov, who said: “It is true, facilities in Britain are very good. Best in the world, probably.”

As well as advising British Gymnastics, Khorkina said she hoped her visit would increase the profile of the sport in Britain and inspire more youngsters to get involved.

At 5ft 5ins she is a good six or seven inches taller than most world class gymnasts and hopes her success will prove that gymnastics is a sport for anyone.

She said: “Everybody can do it – it is for different gymnasts with different body types if they find the right elements for themselves.”

More than 100 young gymnasts took part in coaching clinics over two days.

As well as coaching from the world’s most successful gymnast, they had the opportunity to ask questions, collect autographs and have their pictures taken with Khorkina.

Asked what advice she would give to youngsters Khorkina said: “I advise them to work hard, and to listen to and to trust their coaches.

“I have also given them advice on how to deal with their fears and how to overcome those fears.”

During an international career that spanned 10 years Khorkina won seven Olympic, 16 world and 20 European medals.

She is now the vice-president of the Russian Gymnastics Federation and has a two-year-old son.

By Ann Clarkson