Tricia goes for gold running top event

AN Oldham-based businesswoman is swopping the boardroom for the balance beam this week — taking on the role of competition director for the 2009 World Gymnastic Championships.

Tricia Jephcott, a consultant at training and development consultancy Pelican People in Mill Street, Uppermill, is responsible for the success of the event at London’s O2 Arena, which began on Tuesday and runs until Saturday.

Tricia (47) is co-ordinating almost 500 gymnasts from 75 countries at what will be the sport’s largest ever world championships.

From the beginning of October, Tricia took an extended period of leave from her role training management skills to staff at many top name companies to oversee the fit out of training halls, warm-up areas and the main performance area of the arena in Greenwich.

She is responsible for all aspects of the event from briefing, training and directing all competition staff, to managing drug testing, medal presentations and audience entertainment.

She said: “Basically, I have to make sure that everything goes to plan. This is a major international sporting event and I have a team of people to help me ensure that we deliver a world-class event that is a real showcase for gymnastics.

“This championship is a challenge I’m really looking forward to. I have worked as a gymnastics coach for 32 years but this is a real highlight.”

Tricia believes British gymnasts are in with a shout of a medal, adding: “The British team will be hoping that Beth Tweddle can take a medal on floor and bars and that Louis Smith can repeat his Olympic success and take a medal on pommel.”

An assessor for the Institute of Leadership and Management, Tricia is an expert in the design and implementation of assessment centres for recruitment as well as personal development.