Gymnastics: Kiwis secure two spots at Rio test event

Courtney McGregor. Photo / Alphapix Photography

New Zealand gymnasts have secured two spots at the Rio Olympic test event next April.

Christchurch 16-year-old Courtney McGregor placed 17th in the vault discipline at the world championships in Glasgow with a routine worth 14.249.

Then 24 hours later, North Harbour's Misha Koudinov produced an allround score of 84.031 to finish 48th in a field of 182 to earn New Zealand a second place at the test event.His best discipline was on the parallel bars, where he scored 15.266 to finish 23rd.

Koudinov was fifth for his floor routine at a World Cup event in Croatia last month, making him the first New Zealand male artistic gymnast to make a cup final.

The criteria for the New Zealand Olympic Committee to confirm selection for the Rio Games is the ability to finish in the top 16.

The athletes to compete in the test event will be confirmed shortly, but McGregor and Koudinov would seem the warmest of favourites. Strong performances at that competition will give the pair a solid chance of winning Games selection.