Gymnasts Lauren Mitchell and Larrissa Miller state Rio berth cases

THE Australian Gymnastics Championships have served to only muddy the selection waters ahead of the Rio Olympics, with Lauren Mitchell and Larrissa Miller producing intriguing nomination cases.

Lauren Mitchell competes in the women's beam during the Australian Gymnastics Championships held at Hisense Arena on Sunday. Picture: Hamish Blair

THE Australian Gymnastics Championships have served to only muddy the selection waters ahead of the Rio Olympics, with Lauren Mitchell and Larrissa Miller producing intriguing nomination cases.

Mitchell, Australia’s most decorated artistic gymnast, and Miller - the Commonwealth Games silver medallist on the uneven bars - were considered favourites heading into the national titles to nab the sole Olympic berth on offer.

But the manner in which they mounted their bid for selection may have muddled the thinking of national women’s coach Peggy Liddick, as would the strong performance of veteran Emily Little.

Little, a London Olympian, showcased her all-round ability by taking out the gold on the vault on Saturday night, before backing it up with the silver in both of Sunday’s apparatus finals on the beam and floor to add her name firmly into the mix.

But it was the return from knee surgery of 2010 floor world champion Mitchell that carried most intrigue heading into the championships.

Larrissa Miller competes on the floor during the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships at Hisense Arena.

Mitchell took care of business to win the beam final with a score of 14.025, beating out Little (13.925) and Emma Nedov (13.800).

The 24-year-old was expected to back it up on the floor as well, but instead it was Miller - who sensationally finished last on her favoured apparatus in Saturday’s uneven bars final - who produced a stunning performance to take gold with a score of 14.175, beating Little (14.00) and Mitchell, who came up with a few costly errors in taking out bronze (13.875).

Larrissa Miller in action on the uneven bars.

“I am a little bit disappointed with my last tumble, but you have to take the good with the bad because I haven’t done that routine in a couple of weeks so I was pretty stoked that I put it all together and nearly nailed it,” Mitchell said.

“I definitely didn’t hold anything back and I am not disappointed with anything I did and I still have room for improvement.”

For Miller, it was another reminder of her abilities after Saturday’s disappointing effort on the bars.

“I got a little teary before my floor routine because I am so exhausted, but I am glad that I was able to get myself together and actually perform the routine the way I wanted to,” Miller said. “It wasn’t as good as it was on the second day but I am happy that I could back it up and also come back from the bars yesterday.” Now it all comes down to national selectors, with the successful nominee expected to be named next week.

The national titles conclude on Saturday night, with the men’s trampoline competition to determine who will join rhythmic gymnast Danielle Prince and the successful women’s artistic nominee in heading to Rio.

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Originally published as Gymnasts Lauren Mitchell and Larrissa Miller state Rio berth cases