GYMNAST Jay Thompson is a certainty for the Great Britain 2016 Olympic squad, according to Exeter Gymnastics Club coaching director Mike Euridge.

The 15-year-old, who was last month named the Express & Echo's young sports personality of the year, is already in British Gymnastics' top 16 elite training squad which identifies and develops youngsters with the potential to reach the Rio Games in four years' time.

And mentor Euridge, who has overseen Thompson's coaching at his Bull Meadow Park-based club for the past nine years, is extremely confident his protégé will make the grade.

"Jay will go to 2016 – no way will he not go. There is no doubt for me," Euridge said.

"It's the fact that he's totally and utterly committed. He trains six days a week and he has put his schooling on hold in order to focus on his gymnastics.

"He is training with that elite squad with a view that he will be a contender for 2016, and I think he has got every chance of making it."

If Thompson did make it to the Olympics in Brazil, he would be the first Exeter Gym Club product to compete at that level since James May in 1992.

Euridge says he is not surprised at the progress Thompson is making, having identified the teenager's potential at an early age.

And the coaching director admits he would take great pride in it if his pupil went on to fulfil that promise at the highest level.

Euridge said: "We knew when he was six years old he had the potential. British gymnastics is very strong at the moment so we have to be able to plan so far ahead.

"He is good all round, but particularly good on the support apparatus – the pommel horse, parallel bars and high bar.

"Jay has got natural qualities. He is naturally very strong and has good flexibility and mobility – not everyone's got that.

"I feel pretty good about his progress. It's what we have worked for since he has been at the club."

Ahead of this year's Olympics in London, Exeter Gym Club will play host to gymnasts and coaches from Shanghai Gym Club in China.

Euridge says he hopes the visit, which is likely to happen in early to mid-July, will open the way for his club to make a return visit in 2013 or 2014.

And he is pleased to be maintaining links with a club which is hoping to provide two of the Chinese Olympic team that will be competing this year.

Euridge said: "We expect to have six female and six male gymnasts coming to visit, plus club directors, physios and coaches.

"We are hoping to organise a civic reception for them with the mayor of Exeter, and it would be good if they could put on some displays that will be open to the public while they are here.

"The fact they are expecting to have two of their gymnasts in the China Olympic team shows the legacy of the club and the talent within the club.

"It's significant for us to be doing this in an Olympic year and I think it will be good for Exeter."

Euridge is seeking help with accommodation and transport for the Shanghai Gymnastics Club members during their stay. To offer assistance or to get further details, call the club on 01392 250381, or email michaeleuridge@btconnect.com.