London 2012 Olympics: rhythmic gymnasts hire Michael Beloff QC to fight their case for Team GB qualification The rhythmic gymnasts are hoping to have a decision on the day, or soon after, and, if successful, will have their names submitted to the British Olympic Association for immediate ratification in Team GB. The hiring of Beloff, who is intensely familiar with the Games through his work with the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ad hoc panel at recent Olympic Games, his work on the London Olympic bid and his representation of the Greek running star Kostas Kenteris, signifies the seriousness with which the rhythmic gymnasts view their case. Immediately after the qualifying event, captain Rachel Smith said: "This isn't the end, this isn't the last you are going to see of this group." Smith claims the team believed the score only had to be performed over any of the three days of the Olympic test event. "We went into the competition thinking we could get it on any of the three days," Smith said. Since the disappointment of not making the Olympic team, the women have continued to train pending their appeal. But the dispute has caused deep divisions within the gymnastics community. The rhythmic team was unfunded by the national body and had to rely on support from family and friends. Supporters of the rhythmic gymnasts have queried why British Gymnastics has taken such a hardline stance and refused to submit the team's names - given that there is an automatic host nation place available to them.