A PONTYPOOL dad will be beaming with pride today when his daughter represents Britain at the Olympics.

British champion and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Frankie Jones, 21, whose father Colin Jones is from Abersychan, will be competing in the London 2012 Olympics today.

The young rhythmic gymnast is set to perform to a sell-out crowd at Wembley Arena, over the next two days, in the sport’s eighth Olympic appearance.

Frankie who is based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was the last Welsh athlete to secure Olympic selection for the London Games after winning her sixth British Rhythmic title.

Her proud father Colin Jones, 65, who was born in Manor Road, Abersychan and attended West Mon School, but now lives in England, said: “I am so proud of Frankie, you wouldn’t believe.

“She’s been so busy training I haven’t been able to talk to her since I saw her off on the train to the Olympic Village on Sunday.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t get tickets for today’s performance but I will be watching from home, cheering her on and recording it all of course.

“I will be at Wembley for Friday’s performance and we’ll all be geared up in our Team Frankie T-shirts, mine will have a Welsh dragon on it.

“The proudest moment to date was seeing Frankie get silver at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

“It was great to see the Welsh flag go up. I’ve told her to just go out there and enjoy it.

“She always performs better when she relaxes.

“Welsh gymnastics have been fantastic for her and very supportive.

“She goes to Wales from time to time to train.

“I love Pontypool and wish I could come back.”

Frankie also has the backing of former Paralympian John Harris from Pontypool who won gold, silver and bronze medals for Great Britain.

The Pontypool Community Councillor who competed in five Paralympic Games and won gold for the discus in 1984 said: “I think it’s awesome that Frankie has chosen to represent Wales, her father must be a very proud Pontypool man.

“Hopefully she will inspire more young girls to take up sport. There is something out there for everyone.

“It’s fantastic for her, a wonderful achievement and I wish her the very best.”

Frankie said: “Not many athletes can even dream of something like this. I d