London 2012 Olympics: Britain's rhythmic gymnastics team appeal backed by Nadia Comaneci Comaneci, the 1976 and 1980 Olympian, said the host nation should have a rhythmic gymnastic presence at the Olympics to inspire the next generation of young women. "It is important," said Comaneci, noting that this was a rare opportunity for the sport to promote rhythmic gymnastics at the highest competitive level. How many times are the Games in your home country, competing here is a great thing and motivation, it would have been nice to get this. yes I vote for that. The British rhythmic gymnasts failed to meet a self-imposed qualifying standard in the qualifying rounds at the Olympic test event last month, but then made the standard in the final at the same event. British Gymnastics has refused to submit the team to the British Olympic Association for Olympic selection and the women have now filed an appeal. That appeal, before an arbitration panel, should be heard in the next week. Comaneci is one of the academy members of the Laureus World sports awards, which will announce the sportsman and sportswoman of the year as well as seven other world winners, tonight at a red carpet ceremony in London.