media guide

contents

2016 Australian Championships 2

A message from the CEO 5

About Gymnastics Australia 6

The facts:

- Men’s Artistic Gymnastics 7

- Women’s Artistic Gymnastics 8

- Rhythmic Gymnastics 9

- Trampoline Gymanstics 10

- Acrobatic Gymnastics 11

About Scoring 12

Events calendar 13

Olympic Games 14

Athletes to watch 16

Athlete profiles 17

Medal honours role 34

Contact details 35

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2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships

The 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships will be held in Melbourne at Hisense Arena from May 23 to June 4.

National Champions will be made, and Rio selection is on the line…

1,300+ athletes 600 Officials

33 sessions of gymnastics over 7,000 routines

Australia has qualified three quota positions and one reserve position for the Rio Olympic Games. One Women’s Artistic Gymnast

One Rhythmic Gymnast One Men’s Trampoline Gymnast

One reserve individual: Men’s Artistic Gymnast

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2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships Schedule

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAYMay 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29

Session 2 8.30 - 10.30am

Session 5 8.30 - 11.30am

Session 8 8.30 - 11.30am

Session 11 9.00 - 12.00pm

Session 14 9.00 - 12.00pm

Session 17 9.00 - 12.00pm

WAG L.7 Qual pt1 MAG L.8U Final 🏆 MAG L.7O Qual 🏆 MAG L.7U Qual MAG L.7O Final 🏆 MAG L.7U Final 🏆

WAG L.8 Qual pt1 WAG L.9 Final 🏆 WAG IL.10 Qual WAG IL.8 Qual WAG IL.9 Qual WAG IL.9 Final🏆

WAG Jnr Qual

Session 3 12.00 - 2.00pm

Session 6 2.00 - 4.30pm 12.30 - 4.00pm

Session 12 1.30 - 4.30pm

Session 15 1.30 - 4.30pm

Session 18 1.30 - 4.30pm

WAG L.7 Qual pt2 🏆 WAG L.7 Final 🏆 PODIUM TRAINING MAG L.8O Qual 🏆 MAG L.8O Final 🏆 MAG Snr App pt2 🏆

WAG L.8 Qual pt2 🏆 WAG L.8 Final 🏆 WAG IL.10 Fin.🏆 WAG IL.8 Final🏆 WAG Jnr App pt2 🏆

WAG Jnr Final 🏆 WAG Snr App pt2 🏆

Session 1 6.30 - 9.30pm

Session 4 6.30 - 9.30pm

Session 7 6.30 - 9.30pm

Session 10 5.45 - 8.45pm

Session 13 7.00 - 9.30pm

Session 16 7.00 - 9.30pm

MAG L.8U Qual MAG L.9 O/U Qual🏆 MAG L.10 Qual 🏆 MAG L.9 O/U Final🏆 MAG Snr Final 🏆 MAG Snr App pt1 🏆

WAG L.9 Qual 🏆 WAG L.10 Qual 🏆 MAG Snr Qual 🏆 WAG L.10 Final 🏆 MAG L.10 Final 🏆 WAG Jnr App pt1🏆

WAG Snr Qual WAG Snr Final 🏆 WAG Snr App pt1 🏆

COMPETITION SCHEDULE WEEK 1 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

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Key: App Apparatus I/Int International O Open U Under

Premium Session

Medal Presentations

MAG Men’s Artistic Gymnastics WAG Women’s Artistic Gymnastics RG Rhythmic Gymnastics ACR Acrobatic Gymnastics

TRP Trampoline Gymnastics DMT Double Mini Tramp TUM Tumbling SYNC Synchronised Trampoline

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2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships Schedule

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAYMay 30 May 31 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4

Session 19 9.00 - 12.00pm

Session 22 8.00 - 12.30am

Session 25 8.00 - 12.30am

Session 28 8.00 - 12.30pm

Session 31 8.00 - 12.30pm

RG Level 7 pt1 RG L.7 Jnr 🏆 TRP U13 🏆 RG Level 10 Qual 🏆 RG Level 9 🏆

TRP U11 & 17+ 🏆 DMT U11 & 17+ 🏆 ACR Level 7 🏆 ACR L.6 Trios 🏆

DMT U15 & U17 🏆 11.00 - 12.30pm

TUM U17 🏆 RG S.Jnr Group 🏆

Session 20 1.30 - 4.00pm

Session 23 1.30 - 5.00pm

Session 26 1.30 - 5.00pm

Session 29 1.30 - 5.00pm

Session 32 1.30 - 5.00pm

RG Level 8 pt1 RG Level 7 pt2 🏆 RG Jnr Int Qual 🏆 RG L.9 Jnr Qual 🏆 RG L.9 Jnr 🏆

SYNC U11 U13 17+ 🏆 TRP U15 & U17 🏆 TRP Youth Int Qual RG Level 10 🏆

TUM U11 & 17+ 🏆 DMT U13 🏆 DMT Jnr & Snr Int Q. SYNC Y’th Jnr Snr 🏆

ACR Levels 8-10 TUM Y’th Jnr Snr 🏆

ACR L.6 Pairs 🏆

6.00 - 9.00pmSession 21 5.30 - 9.00pm

Session 24 6.30 - 9.30pm

Session 27 6.30 - 9.30pm

Session 30 6.00 - 9.30pm

Session 33 6.00 - 9.00pm

PODIUM TRAINING RG L8 Jnr 🏆 RG Level 8 pt2 🏆 RG Snr Int Qual 🏆 RG Jnr & Snr Int 🏆 RG Group: Jnr O Snr 🏆

SYNC U15 & U17🏆 DMT Youth Qual TRP Y’th Jnr Snr 🏆 TRP Team Final 🏆

TUM U13 & U15 🏆 TRP Jnr & Snr Q. DMT Y’th Jnr Snr 🏆 TRP Trans Tasman 🏆

ACR Int 🏆 ACR Combined 🏆

COMPETITION SCHEDULE WEEK 2 Rhythmic Gymnastics Trampoline Gymnastics Acrobatic Gymnastics

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Key: App Apparatus I/Int International O Open U Under

Premium Session

Medal Presentations

MAG Men’s Artistic Gymnastics WAG Women’s Artistic Gymnastics RG Rhythmic Gymnastics ACR Acrobatic Gymnastics

TRP Trampoline Gymnastics DMT Double Mini Tramp TUM Tumbling SYNC Synchronised Trampoline

a message from the CEO

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Welcome to the biggest Gymnastics event to be held in Australia this Olympic year – the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships!  1,300 gymnasts are set to deliver over 7,000 breathtaking routines across 12 days of competition, in the bid to be crowned National Champion, and in the case of our Women’s Artistic and Men’s Trampoline athletes, secure a spot on the plane to Rio. Once again this year’s Australian Gymnastics Championships will be held at Hisense Arena – in the heart of Melbourne’s world-class sporting precinct.  As well as the crowning of our 2016 National Champions across five Gymsports, with the Rio Olympic Games on the horizon we can’t wait to see who will reign supreme and be awarded the coveted individual positions in the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. In the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics competition we eagerly await Lauren Mitchell’s return to the competition arena, in her bid to make her third Olympic team following an extensive rehabilitation program after rupturing her ACL in 2015.  Her and fellow apparatus specialist, Larrissa Miller, are sure to make their presence felt at Hisense Arena, in their quest for a chance at Olympic representation.  However NSW’s Emma Nedov is also sure to be in contention for the position, as a strong All-Around competitor with a world-class Beam routine, along with 2012 Olympic reserve, Georgia-Rose Brown, and 2014 and 2015 National Champion, Georgia Godwin, who is also returning from injury..  2012 Olympian Emily Little is sure to make her claim for a spot on her second Olympic team, particularly after medaling on Vault at the Rio Test Event in April, and we also eagerly await to see what up-and-coming Senior International athletes such as Rianna Mizzen, Emily Whitehead, Kiara Munteanu and Alex Eade bring to the competition. The individual spot up for grabs in the Men’s Individual Trampoline event in Rio is also sure to be hotly contested.  2012 Olympian Blake Gaudry will definitely be in the mix with selectors, along with NSW brothers, Ty and Shaun Swadling.  Tasmania’s Jack Penny has been one of Australia’s most consistent competitors overseas in the past 12 months, and with World Championship Bronze Medallist in the Double-Mini Trampoline discipline, Matthew Weal, and youngster Dominic Clark also in contention, the Olympic dream is anyone’s for the taking. Queensland’s Danielle Prince has all but booked her ticket to Rio, having been named in a quota position by the FIG as Oceania’s sole representative in Rhythmic Gymnastics at this year’s Olympic Games.  After strong performances at last year’s World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, she will be looking to perform some strong routines in Melbourne in order to confirm her selection by the Australian Olympic Committee to the team for Rio. Age-eligible athletes for the 2018 Commonwealth Games cycle will also be looking to impress, as they begin staking their claim for a spot on the team for the Gold Coast Games in April 2018. Michael Mercieca from Queensland will also be one to watch in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics competition.  Mercieca, who trains at our National Centre of Excellence in Canberra, is currently Australia’s top-ranked male gymnast, and a strong All-Around performance at last month’s Rio Test Event has earned him a named position as an individual reserve for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. Fellow NCE athlete Chris Remkes will also be one to watch out for in the apparatus finals, after Remkes won Australia’s first World Cup medal since 2011 earlier this year, with a silver medal-winning performance on Vault at the Doha World Cup Challenge in Qatar. The scene is well and truly set for a thrilling Australian Gymnastics Championships! Although Rio will be at the forefront of everyones’ minds, we also can’t wait to enjoy the spectacle of Tumbling, Double-Mini Trampoline and Acrobatic Gymnastics which will be on display across the 33 sessions of competition.  High Performance gymnastics is not only amazing to watch, but it also involves an amazing number of people, facilities and resources to make it all possible. Gymnastics Australia would like to acknowledge and thank our High Performance partners who support our sport and our athletes; the Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Sports Commission, Western Australian Institute of Sport, Victorian Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport, New South Wales Institute of Sport, and the South Australian Institute of Sport. Our sincere thanks also goes to the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Olympic park Trust, without whom we would not be able to stage this fantastic event. Events such as the Australian Gymnastics Championships are also made possible due to the passionate and highly skilled event staff, officials, administrators and volunteers. On behalf of the Gymnastics Australia Board and staff, I would like to thank all our volunteers and National Commission members for their enormous contribution. I wish every athlete, coach and official an enjoyable and successful competition at the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships.

Mark Rendell - Chief Executive Officer Gymnastics Australia

about Gymnastics Australia

Gymnastics Australia’s purpose is to represent the interests of gymnastics in Australia as the Australian affiliate of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Gymnastics Australia in cooperation with the Association Members (State Associations), coordinate and provide for the participation of Australian athletes, coaches and officials in gymnastics and approved national and international competitions. There are seven gymnastics sports: • Gymnastics for All - GfA • Men’s Artistic Gymnastics - MAG • Women’s Artistic Gymnastics - WAG • Rhythmic Gymnastics - RG • Trampoline Gymnastics - TRP • Aerobic Gymnastics - AER • Acrobatic Gymnastics - ACR

Gymnastics Australia's Board of Directors consists of five Elected Directors and two Appointed Directors. The board appoints the President and Vice President. The full Board of Gymnastics Australia meets a minimum of six times a year. The Board of Directors maintains a strategic focus in its governance of the sport. The responsibility for implementing the strategic plan and managing Gymnastics Australia's operating activities rests with the Chief Executive Officer and staff. • Jacqui Briggs-Weatherill – President and Elected Director • Michael Burnett – Vice President and Elected Director • Brennon Dowrick – Elected Director • Anita Hobson-Powell – Elected Director • Frances Crampton AM, JP – Elected Director • Dr Clare Hanlon – Appointed Director • Anna O’Shea – Appointed Director

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the facts - men’s artistic gymnastics

Men compete on six apparatus:

Floor Exercise: This is an exercise of pure acrobatics, alternating between a powerful tumbling series and the composure necessary for balance and strength elements. A well executed routine combines power and gymnastic artistry. Judges evaluate gymnasts on strength, flexibility, body position and continuity of their movement.

Pommel Horse: Routines on this apparatus are characterised by circular movements of the body with legs together (circles) and pendulous swings with the legs separated (scissors). Gymnasts also show a spectacular combination of these skills called flairs. Routines which combine these movements and utilise all parts of the horse receive higher scores from the judges.

Still Rings: This apparatus is known for its difficulty of strength and swinging elements. The free moving quality of the rings makes it challenging to remain stationary during held elements, where any movement of the rings incurs a penalty. During his performance, the gymnast should demonstrate control, strength and balance in demonstrating forward and backward swings and held positions.

Vault: During their approach to the vault a competitor must develop the necessary power to complete all of their aerial skills before landing. Gymnasts hit the board at speed and push themselves off the vault demonstrating a variety of twists, turns and somersaults. Judges score vaults on the level of difficulty and the athletes’ technique.

Parallel Bars: A predominately swinging apparatus, that is interspersed with only a few held or strength elements. Swings are completed above and below the bars and consist of acrobatic flight elements, changes of direction and swing types. The gymnast’s routine ends in a dramatic dismount off the side or the end of the bars. During competition judges look at technique, flow, use of the bars and difficult feats.

Horizontal Bar: This apparatus is a public favourite largely due to the acrobatic releases and re-grasp flight elements. The routine is based on swinging parts without stops, and includes extended forward and backward giant swings, combined with changes of direction and grip, as well as the release and catch movements. Gymnasts who perform a high-flying dismount with multiple twists and flips, and a perfect landing will score highly.

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the facts - women’s artistic gymnastics

Women compete on four apparatus:

Vault Vaulting shows off the gymnasts’ athletic qualities, as the movement is performed after a run up of approximately 20 metres. The gymnast must put both hands on the vaulting table. The judges evaluate the complexity of the movement, the position of the body, and the landing, which must be perfect.

Uneven Bars The uneven bars are by far the most spectacular apparatus of the competition. Gymnasts move from one bar to the other, alternating grip changes, releases and catches, and changes of direction with circular swings. The judges look closely at the position of the body, and the final release from the bars, which must be executed with control and safety.

Beam The beam has certain magic about it. The gymnast performs a routine on an apparatus with a width the size of a house brick and just over a metre above the floor. Gymnasts must use the entire length of the beam demonstrating a combination of balance, acrobatic sequences and jumps and turns. Competitors are evaluated on their poise, flexibility and expression.

Floor They fly, do pirouettes, touch the floor and then leap high again into the air - this apparatus is the public’s favourite. The floor is the area where a gymnast can fully express all her grace, her personality, and her technique, combining acrobatics, gymnastics and dance to music. During competition judges look for good posture, proper technique, flow and variety of skill and grace.

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This sport sees gymnasts compete on a floor area of 13 metres square to musical accompaniment. Judges mark competitors on the harmony between the music, the apparatus and the level of difficulty of their body movements. Gymnasts must retain control of the apparatus at all times whether demonstrating flexibility, tumbling or throwing and catching equipment. Points are deducted if the gymnast drops an apparatus or does not maintain its movement. A high scoring routine will combine risky throws and catches, complicated choreography and extreme flexibility and acrobatic skills. Why there are five apparatus, only four are competed at any one event. This year, the senior athletes are competing with Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Ribbon

The rope is light and supple, made from hemp or synthetic material. Leaps and jumps are the fundamental body movement used in rope routines, where gymnasts leap or skip over or through the rope, and then add in swings, releases, throws, rotations and figures of eight.

The hoop may be made of plastic or wood. The gymnast must include rotations around the hand or body as well as rolling movements otherwise points will be deducted. Swings, rotations, figures of eight, throws, passes through and over the hoop are other elements of a spectacular routine. Due to the size of the hoop (80 – 90cm in diameter) handling is difficult.

The ball is made of rubber or synthetic material and is 18 to 20 centimetres in diameter. It should rest in the gymnast's hand and not against the wrist or be grasped. Necessary elements include throwing, bouncing and rolling the ball – on the floor and on the body - throughout the routine. The gymnast must use both hands and work on the whole floor area whilst showing continuous flowing movement.

The clubs are made of wood or synthetic material and are continuously tapped throughout a routine. A high-scoring routine includes mills and small circles, asymmetric movements, throwing and catching. Gymnasts must hold the clubs alternately in both hands and one hand while performing balances, leaps, rotations and other feats of flexibility.

The ribbon is 6 metres in length and probably the most popular event for spectators. Captivating routines see gymnasts making snakes, spirals, figures of eight, and throwing and catching the ribbon in many directions. It requires a high degree of coordination to make the circles and spirals that delight spectators, and any knots accidentally formed are penalised.

the facts - rhythmic gymnastics

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the facts - trampoline gymnastics

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Trampoline Gymnastics is a spectacular sport that can see an athlete reach heights of up to 10 metres, whilst performing multiple somersaults and twists. Athletes can compete in four disciplines: individual trampoline, synchronised trampoline, double-mini trampoline and tumbling.

Individual Trampoline: Gymnasts perform routines, which contain a variety of twists, bounces and somersaults. Precise technique and perfect body control are the hallmarks of a good routine, with judges evaluating gymnasts on degree of difficulty, execution and flight time.

Synchronised Trampoline: Similar to the discipline of individual trampoline, in ‘synchro’ gymnasts perform the same skills on side-by-side trampolines.  As well as being scored on their skill difficulty and time of flight, the athletes are also marked for their level of synchronisation.

Double Mini Trampoline (DMT): DMT is a combination of gymnastics, trampolining and athletics. Similar to the vault apparatus in artistic gymnastics, athletes sprint down a track, before jumping onto the DMT to perform two skills in a row with numerous twists and flips prior to dismounting onto a landing mat.

Tumbling: Gymnasts who excel in this discipline combine a high degree of spatial awareness with power, strength, coordination and courage. The gymnast has a 25metre track on which to perform a series of somersaults and twists. High scoring runs include no less than two double somersaults with additional twisting elements.

Although not an Olympic Gymsport, Acrobatic Gymnastics is a breathtaking spectator sport.  Athletes either compete in pairs – Men’s, Women’s and Mixed – or groups – consisting of three athletes for Women and four for Men – building breathtaking human pyramids and performing cheerleading-style group acrobatic elements, all in a theatrical routine set to music.  At most levels, ‘acro’ groups perform three routines; Balance, Dynamic and Combined.    Balance routines consist of a combination of static group holds and individual elements, which athletes must be held for a specific period of time in order to be paid by the judges.   Dynamic routines display somersaulting elements, where the ‘top’ athlete is launched into the air by the ‘base’ athlete/s, performs a mid-air acrobatic element, and is caught again.  Dynamic routines also include individual tumbling elements, as seen in other Gymsports.   Combined – as its name would suggest, the Combined routines consists of the differing elements from both the Balance and Dynamic routines.  The skills are linked with dance elements, which is also the case for the Balance and Dynamic routines.  

the facts - acrobatic gymnastics

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about scoring

What happened to the perfect 10?

In recent years the judging of gymnastics routines has adopted an open ended scale that values innovation and better embodies the Olympic motto of ‘faster, higher, stronger’

Each routine is now evaluated by two judging panels giving two different scores that are combined to create the gymnast’s final score.

- The difficulty score starts at 0.0 and increases with every successful difficulty performed. - The execution score starts at 10.00 and decreases with each error in performance. - Rhythmic and Acrobatic Gymnastics also include a score for Artistry that recognises the expression of the routine, while

Trampoline Gymnastics includes a score for Time of Flight (TOF) that rewards athletes who maintain greater height during their routine.

SO… the more tricks and turns that are in a routine, then the higher the potential score will be … however, the more tricks and turns that are in a routine, then the higher the chance of errors!

Here are some example errors and the associated deductions: Men’s Artistic Gymnastics - falling off the apparatus: -1.00 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics - wobbling while on the beam: up to -0.80 Rhythmic Gymnastics - getting tangled in the ribbon: -0.50 Synchronised Trampoline - being out of time with your partner: -0.50 Small errors all sports - e.g. not pointing your feet: -0.10 In all sports, the deductions are applied each time that an error is made and they can add up quickly!

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2016 events calendarNational Events

May 23 – June 4 Australian Gymnastics Championships: Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline and Acrobatic Gymnastics

July 8-10 Gym4Life Challenge, Queensland - Gymnastics for All

September 15-25 National Clubs Carnival, Bendigo: Gymnastics for All, Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline, Aerobic and Acrobatic Gymnastics

September 16 AeroSchools National Championships, Bendigo

September 17-20 Australian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, Bendigo

November 9-13 Australian Classic - Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

International Events

June 13-19 World Championships, South Korea: Aerobic Gymnastics

June 18-19 World Cup, Italy: Trampoline Gymnastics

June 24-25 World Cup, Switzerland: Trampoline Gymnastics

July 8-9 World Cup, Portugal: Trampoline Gymnastics

August 5-21 Olympic Games, Rio: Gymnastics – Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics

October 8-15 Junior Commonwealth Gymnastics Championships, Namibia - Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics

October 22-25 Indo Pacific Championships, New Zealand - Trampoline Gymnastics

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Olympic GamesMen’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics A total of 98 gymnasts per gender/discipline compete from qualified countries. This includes 12 teams of 5 gymnasts. Qualification round. All athletes compete on all apparatus. Results from this competition inform which countries/athletes qualify for Team, Individual All-Around and Apparatus Finals; Team Finals involve the top 8 teams from the Qualification round. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to countries/teams based on:

- 5 athletes in team; - 3 athletes compete on each apparatus; - All 3 scores on each apparatus count towards the overall team score

Individual All-Around Finals involve the top 24 individual athletes from the qualification round with a maximum of 2 athletes per country. Gold, silver and bronze medals to be awarded to individual athletes based on the All-Around scores (i.e. 6 apparatus for MAG and four apparatus for WAG); Apparatus Finals involve the top 8 individual athletes on each apparatus from the qualification round with a maximum of 2 athletes per country. Floor, Pommels and Rings for MAG. Vault and Uneven Bars for WAG. Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded on each apparatus;

Rhythmic Gymnastics A total of 26 individual gymnasts, and 14 groups of 5 gymnasts, compete from qualified countries to a maximum of two individuals and one group per country. Qualification round. Each athlete completes routines with Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Ribbon. Results from this competition inform which athletes will qualify for Individual All-Around and Apparatus Finals Individual All-Around Finals involve the top 10 individual athletes from Day 1. Gold, silver and bronze medals to be awarded to individual athletes

Trampoline Sports A Total of 16 athletes per gender with a maximum of two male and two females per country; Qualification Round. Athletes compete two routines – One ‘set’ and one ‘voluntary’ routine – and are ranked on the combined total score of these two routines. Finals. The top 8 athletes from the qualification competition compete in finals. Finals athletes are judged on one routine only and can choose between their ‘set’ or ‘voluntary’ routines. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top 3 finalists;

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Australia Journey to Qualify for the Rio Olympics  Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG): Naoya Tsukahara was Australia’s top-ranked MAG athlete at the 2015 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Glasgow, finishing 88th in the All-Around competition.  This earnt Australia one All-Around position at the second qualifying event for the 2016 Olympic Games, the Aquece Rio Test Event. After a series of selection trials, Michael Mercieca was selected to represent Australia at the Aquece Rio Test Event, where he placed 35th All-Around, and was named as the second individual reserve for the Rio Olympic Games.   Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG): Australia’s WAG team finished 14th at the 2015 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, which automatically saw them qualify for the 2016 Aquece Rio Test Event.  Australia finished fifth in the team competition at the Test Event, meaning they were named as the reserves for the team competition, but also awarded an individual quota position for the WAG event at the 2016 Olympic Games. Australia’s representative to fill this quota position will be selected at the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships, as per Gymnastics Australia’s Selection Criteria.

Rhythmic Gymnastics: At the 2015 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, Australia’s Danielle Prince finished 78th in the All-Around Competition.  As the highest ranked athlete from Oceania at this first qualifying event for the Rio Olympic Games, Prince was awarded a named quota position for the individual competition at the 2016 Olympic Games.   Trampoline Gymnastics: The first qualifying event for the Rio Olympic Games was the 2015 Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in Odense, Denmark.  Blake Gaudry was Australia’s highest placed individual male at this event, reaching the semi final and placing 14th, which qualified Australia a position at the second qualifying event, the Aquece Rio Test Event in Rio de Janeiro.  Following an Australian selection trial, Gaudry was selected to represent Australia at the Aquece Rio Test Event, where he finished ninth.  As Gaudry placed inside the top five countries who had NOT already qualified an individual male athlete for Rio, this secured Australia one quota position for the Olympic Games. Australia’s representative to fill this quota position will be selected at the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships, as per Gymnastics Australia’s Selection Criteria.

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athletes to watch

Men’s Artistic Gymnastics James Bacueti (ACT) Michael Mercieca (QLD) Mitchell Morgans (QLD) Christopher Remkes (SA) Clay Stephens (SA) Luke Wadsworth (VIC) Luke Wiwatowski (VIC)   Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Georgia-Rose-Brown (VIC) Alexandra Eade (VIC) Georgia Godwin (QLD) Madelaine Leydin (VIC) Emily Little (WA) Larrissa Miller (VIC) Lauren Mitchell (WA) Rianna Mizzen (QLD) Kiara Munteanu (VIC) Emma Jane Nedov (NSW) Olivia Vivian (WA) Emily Whitehead (VIC)

Rhythmic Gymnastics Maya Bennett (NSW) Zoe Ormrod (QLD) Danielle Prince (QLD) Tara Wilkie (NSW)   Trampoline Gymnastics Claire Arthur (SA) Dominic Clark (NSW) Blake Gaudry (SA) Jack Penny (TAS) Shaun Swadling (NSW) Ty Swadling (NSW) Leanne Van Rensburg (NSW) Matthew Weal (NSW)   Acrobatic Gymnastics Sue Seki, Holly Loquet and Emily Cuddy (VIC) Antonia Maher and Nicole Chan (NSW) Maddison Lacey, Mikayla Stephens and Molly Jewiss (NSW)

Following are biographies of some of the athletes to watch at the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships

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athlete profiles: men’s artistic gymnastics James BacuetiA fresh-faced Australian Capital Territory native, Bacueti has displayed his ability to rise for the occasion in any apparatus, thanks to long time coach and his most admired sportsperson Zou Li Min. After outstanding results at the 2012 Australian Gymnastics Championships (AGC), where Bacueti placed at least sixth in every event, he secured gold in the Vault at the Austrian Future Cup. Due to Bacueti’s absence from the 2014 AGC, 2015 was his first senior Australian competition and it ended with his third national Vault gold medal.Fast Facts Born: Kambah, ACTCurrent Club: Woden Valley Gymnastics ClubJoined gymnastics: 18 months oldBest apparatus: Vault

Michael MerciecaOriginally from Western Sydney, Mercieca trained at the Gymnastics Queensland High Performance Centre in Brisbane before moving to the National Centre of Excellence in Canberra. He collected two medals from the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships (AGC), silver for Parallel Bars and bronze for Rings. These results helped him get selected to represent Australia at the World University Games in South Korea.  Although injury plagued his competition at the end of 2015, Mercieca returned to the Australian team with a bang in 2016, scoring in excess of 80 All-Around at the Test Event and Pacific Rim selection trial, to be Australia’s sole MAG representative at the Aquece Rio Test Event.Fast Facts Nickname: MikeBorn: Penrith, NSWFirst Club: Nepean GymnasticsCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Canberra)Favourite Sports Team: Penrith Panthers

 

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athlete profiles: men’s artistic gymnastics

Mitchell Morgans Starting gymnastics at just three years of age, Morgans has remained dedicated to the sport and is displaying consistent success at the Senior level. He has finished on the podium every year since 2011 and won five medals (two gold) in the team competition. Morgans’ greatest strength can be seen when performing on the high bar and after placing first (2014) and second (2015) in the last two years. In 2016 he will be a favourite for top spot once again.  After missing the 2014 Commonwealth Games due to injury, performed solidly at the selection trial for the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships and Rio Test Event team, placing third All-Around to book himself a place on the plane to Everett in the USA.Fast Facts Nickname: MiddyBorn: Sydney, NSWFirst Club: Gosford GymnasticsCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Canberra)Favourite Sports Team: St George Illawarra Dragons

Christopher RemkesRemkes moved to Australia at a young age and started gymnastics at five years old. Originally from the Philippines, he attended the Gym-JETS club in South Australia, before moving to Canberra to develop his gymnastics career. Competing in his first Australian Gymnastics Championships during 2012, Remkes was able to finish top five in all bar one apparatus (Seventh on Floor). Remkes’ star is definitely on the rise following his selection to Australia’s 2014 World Championships team, and winning his first gold medal at the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships for his floor routine. In 2016, as well as being selection on the Pacific Rim Championships team, Remkes won Australia’s first MAG World Cup medal since Prashanth Sellathurai in 2011, when he took home the silver medal on Vault at the Doha World Challenge Cup event in Qatar.Fast Facts Nickname: LudaBorn: PhilippinesFirst Club: Southern StarsCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Canberra)

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athlete profiles: men’s artistic gymnastics

Clay StephensEntering just his second year at the Senior level, Stephens has already shown some impressive performances at the elite level. During the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships he finished second for the Vault and eighth in the All-Around competition. Stephens was only the second Australian male to compete in the Youth Olympic Games, and he identifies the experience as his proudest gymnastics moment so far.  Currently a scholarship holder at the Men’s National Centre of Excellence (NCE) based at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Stephens has shown immeasurable potential and aims to be a prominent figure for future national and international competition.Fast Facts Nickname: NemoBorn: Adelaide, SAFirst Club: Gym-JETSCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Canberra)Favourite Sports Team: Adelaide Crows

Luke WadsworthBeing a Melbourne native Wadsworth will be hoping to achieve his best results in front of a home crowd. Steady progress in the sport has led Wadsworth to compete for Australia at the Youth Olympic Festival in 2009 where Australia won bronze. He’s also been to two World Championships, the 2010 Pacific Rim Championships and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships were relatively successful for Wadsworth as he won the gold in the Parallel Bars and took silver in the All-Around final. He started gymnastics at the age of six and attended a high performance program talent identification day when he was nine.  After a solid start to the 2016 competition season being named as the reserve athlete to represent Australia at the Aquece Rio Test Event, Wadsworth will be looking to continue his good form at the 2016 Australian Championships.Fast Facts Nickname: WadsyBorn: Melbourne, VICFirst Club: Endeavour HillsCurrent Club: Victorian Men’s High Performance CentreFavourite Sports Team: Miami Heat

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athlete profiles: men’s artistic gymnastics

Luke WiwatowskiWith the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships (AGC) marking Wiwatowski’s 11th year competing at the Senior level, he’s a mainstay of Australian Men’s Artistic Gymnastics. Wiwatowski placed second in team and third in All-Around results at the 2015 Championships and will want to do better this year. In 2010 Wiwatowski was also part of the Australian Commonwealth Games team at Delhi which won our nation’s first MAG team gold medal. A member of the 2015 World Championship team and 2016 Pacific Rim team, Wiwatowski will look to show his talent during the high bar and floor events, which are his two strongest apparatus. Fast Facts Nickname: WiwaBorn: Sydney, NSWFirst Club: Castle Hill RSLCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Canberra)Favourite Sports Team: Parramatta EelsTwitter: @lukewiwa 

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athlete profiles: women’s artistic gymnastics Georgia-Rose BrownAfter being named as a travelling reserve for the 2012 Olympic Games, an excellent 2014 has Brown primed to have a great opportunity to qualify for Rio. Following strong performances at the Nadia Comaneci International Invitational (third All-Around) and the Pacific Rim Championships (third on Uneven Bars), Brown was awarded with selection onto the Commonwealth Games team for Glasgow in 2014, which took home the silver medal.  Brown – an All-Around athlete – was also a member of the team that took home the bronze medal at the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships.Fast Facts Nickname: GeorgeBorn: QueenslandFirst Club: Southport GymnasticsCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Melbourne)Favourite Sports Team: All BlacksHeight: At 172cm, Georgia-Rose is one of the tallest gymnasts in the world

 Alexandra EadeEade leaves a decorated Junior career behind as she makes her the transition to senior competition. Her junior career had ten Australian titles and a gold medal for Vault in the 2011 Pre-Olympic Youth Cup.  Eade’s hard work and persistence at the Senior level has begun to pay off in 2016, when she was selected to travel to Rio de Janeiro as a member of the seven-member Senior team contesting the Aquece Rio Test Event.  In particular we look forward to seeing the difficulty she performs on Vault at the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships.Fast Facts Nickname: AlBorn: Melbourne, VICFirst Club: Grips GymnasticsCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Melbourne)Favourite Sports Team: St Kilda FC

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athlete profiles: women’s artistic gymnastics Madelaine LeydinLeydin’s career is littered with outstanding achievements. It includes top five finishes in the Vault and Beam in the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, second in the team competition at Canada’s Gymnix, fourth at the Pacific Rim and Jesolo tournaments in the team event, and a first placing at the Nadia Comaneci Invitational International team event. Most recently Leydin was selected as a member of the Senior team that contested the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow.  Still only 18 years old and a gymnast of 12 years, Leydin is part of the emerging athletes who are looking to be prominent elite figures in the sport.Fast Facts Nickname: MaddiBorn: Melbourne, VICFirst Club: Footscray City Gymnastics ClubCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Melbourne)Favourite Sports Team: Western Bulldogs

Georgia GodwinOne of Australia’s hottest gymnastics prospects right now, Godwin may become one of the country’s main hopes for Rio on her current form. With the Gold Coast native having won back-to-back All-Around titles in Australian Junior Gymnastics Championships in 2010-11, she completed the same achievement in the Senior International division over 2014-15. In 2015 she was also able to place first in the Beam final, third for the Uneven Bars and fourth in the Vault. Godwin also secured her first international All-Around title in 2014 when she placed first in both the Team and the All-Around events at the Nadia Comaneci Invitational International in Oklahoma.Fast Facts Nickname: GeorgeBorn: Gold Coast, QLDFirst Club: Gold Coast GymnasticsCurrent Club: QLD High Performance CentreFavourite Sports Team: Brisbane Broncos (NRL) 

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athlete profiles: women’s artistic gymnastics

Emily LittleLittle began gymnastics at the age of six. In 2008 she took out the Australian Junior All-Around title and also won gold medals on Beam, Floor and Vault. Her international debut came in 2008 at the Golden State Classic in the United States, where she won the All-Around competition. Little was also a member of the 2010 Commonwealth Games team that won gold in Delhi. It wasn’t until the Gymix International in Canada during 2012 where she earned her best career results so far, winning the All-Around title. Little took a break from gymnastics from the end of 2012 and her return to international competition was December 2014 at the Mexican Gymnastics Open where she finished second in the All-Around competition.  After taking home the bronze medal on Vault at the Aquece Rio Test Event last month, Little is certain to remain on the selectors minds for Rio at this year’s Australian Gymnastics Championships.Fast Facts Nickname: EmBorn: Perth, WAFirst Club: Armadale PCYCCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence Western Australia

 Larrissa MillerMiller last competed in the Australian Gymnastics Championships in 2014, where she was the top qualifier coming into the Uneven Bars final and did not disappoint in winning the National Title on her pet apparatus. She also won gold for the team competition in the same year.  Internationally Miller also performed well in 2014, where she won a silver medal for the Uneven Bars and for the team event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, before reaching the Floor final at the 2014 World Championships in Nanning, China, finished ranked as the 6th-best floor worker in the world.  After winning silver on the Uneven Bars at the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships and silver on floor at the Aquece Rio Test Event, Miller will be well in the running to secure a position on her second Olympic team in 2016.Fast Facts Nickname: RissBorn: Moranbah, QLDFirst Club: Moranbah GymnasticsCurrent Club: Waverey Gymnastics (Victoria)Favourite Sports Team: QLD Maroons (NRL)

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athlete profiles: women’s artistic gymnastics Lauren MitchellAustralia’s most successful and decorated gymnast, Mitchell fell in love with gymnastics at the age of six when she had a ‘Gymbus’ birthday party on a double-decker bus fitted with gym equipment and balloons. She joined her local PCYC in Perth and was quickly signed up by the WAIS high performance program. In 2008 Mitchell represented Australia at the Beijing Olympic Games and helped Australia reach its best ever Olympic team results to finish sixth. At the back end of the year Mitchell also became the first Australian female gymnast to win a World Cup final. She has competed twice in the Commonwealth Games (2010 and 2014) and Olympic Games (2008 and 2012), but is most renowned for being Australia’s first female World Champion, after winning the Floor final at the 2010 World Championships in Rotterdam, the Nertherlands.  After rupturing her ACL in late 2015, the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships will signal Mitchell’s return to competitive gymnastics in a bid to secure a place on her third Olympic Team.Fast Facts Nickname: LozBorn: Perth, WAFirst Club: Claremont PCYCCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Western Australia)Best Apparatus: FloorFavourite Sports Team: West Coast Eagles

Rianna MizzenOn evidence of her first senior competition, only months after a knee injury, Mizzen looks to be a future gymnastics star. She has already shown plenty of talent throughout her junior career by finishing second, fourth, third and sixth respectively in All-Around finals from 2010-13 and winning three individual apparatus gold medals along the way. Her courage and bravery to return from a fractured knee in March 2015 to claim gold in the senior Bars was regarded as one of the most courageous moments in the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships. Confident All-Around performances at both the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships and Aquece Rio Test Event – her first Australian teams as a Senior athlete – shows that Mizzen is definitely a gymnast to keep your eye on for the future.Fast Facts Nickname: ReeBorn: Gratton, NSWFirst Club: Robertson GymnasticsCurrent Club: QLD High Performance CentreFavourite Sports Team: NSW Blues (NRL)

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athlete profiles: women’s artistic gymnastics

Emma Jane NedovNedov started her gymnastics career at the Epping YMCA, before moving to train at the Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre. At the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships (AGC) she placed sixth in the Beam event. After the 2015 AGC, Emma headed to South Korea for the World University Games where she qualified for the All-Around and Beam finals. Nedov achieved an All-Around career high result of 53.064 and she placed fifth in the Beam final. This year Nedov will look for a top two finish in the Beam event, as she was able to place first and second through 2013-14.  Nedov was also a member of the team to compete at the Pacific Rim Championships and Aquece Rio Test Event last month.Fast Facts: Nickname: EmBorn: Sydney, NSWFirst Club: Epping YMCACurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Melbourne)Favourite Sports Team: NSW Blues (NRL)

Kiara MunteanuAs an 18-year-old, Munteanu has already won a gold medal as a member of team Australia and also a bronze on Vault at the 2014 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational in the USA. She was also the youngest member of the team selected to represent Australia at the World Championships in Nanning, China in 2014, where Munteanu contributed to the seventh place team final. At the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships (AGC) she finished first in the team event for the third consecutive year, secured sixth on the Vault and fourth on the Uneven Bars. A strong showing at the 2016 Australian Gymanstics Championships would be influential to be on the Road to Rio.Fast Facts Nickname: KiBorn: Melbourne, VICFirst Club: Niddrie Gymnastics ClubCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Melbourne) Favourite Sports Team: Carlton Blues

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athlete profiles: women’s artistic gymnastics Emily WhiteheadWhitehead has been dominating the Australian Gymnastics Championships (AGC) as a Junior athlete since 2014, as a member of the Victorian team which has won five consecutive gold medals to date at the AGC. On 18 occasions since 2011 she has finished in the top five of the individual apparatus events at the AGC. At the 2015 Championships Whitehead had her career best national performance, finishing on the podium for all five individual apparatus events including winning the All-Around, Uneven Bars and Floor title.  As a first year Senior International gymnast in 2016, she has already been selected to represent Australia at the Pacific Rim Championships and Aquece Rio Test Event, Australian gymnastics is set to expect big things from Whitehead in the future.  Fast Facts Nickname: EmBorn: Melbourne, VICFirst Club: Grips GymnasticsCurrent Club: Waverley Gymnastics Club

Olivia VivianAt 26 years of age, Vivian is the self-confessed ‘grandma’ of Australian gymnastics, but is still one of the liveliest gymnasts for audiences to watch perform.  After being a member of the 2008 Olympic team which achieved Australia’s highest-ever team result of 6th in Beijing, Vivian moved to the USA to study, train and compete at Oregon State University (OSU), an experience which she credits for maintaining her passion for gymnastics today.  After returning to Australia, Vivian was selected as a member of the silver medal-winning Commonwealth Games team and World Championship team in 2014.  After a year off in 2015, we look forward to see Vivian return to competition at the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships.Fast Facts Nickname: LivBorn: Perth, WAFirst Club: Claremont PCYCCurrent Club: National Centre of Excellence (Perth)Favourite Sports Team: OSU Gymnastics Team

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athlete profiles: rhythmic gymnastics Zoe Ormrod Ormrod counts one of the most decorated rhythmic gymnasts of our generation, Anna Bessonova, among her heroes. “A rhythmic gymnast with excellent technique and skill, but also a performer who was able to capture the audience’s hearts”, she may as well be describing herself. Zoe is a rising star, having benefitted from training alongside multiple National Champion, Danielle Price. She has managed to secure many top five finishes in national competitions, as well as gaining impressive results on the international stage. Her best international performance was the 2013 Danube Cup in Slovakia, where she recorded two fifth places with Ball and Ribbon, as well as a fourth with the Clubs.  Ormrod missed the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships through injury, so we look forward to welcoming her back to the competition floor at Hisense Arena in 2016.  Fast facts Birthplace: Brisbane, QLDFirst club: Western Districts Gymnastics ClubCurrent club: Premier Gymnastics Club

Maya Bennett Bennett has already racked up 20 medals in National competitions, including four gold medals in her short career as a Junior Rhythmic gymnast. The multi-skilled star has also finished third in All-Around Competition, five years in a row.  The Brisbane-born gymnast who will compete as a Senior International athlete for the first time in 2016, now spends a large amount of her time living and training in Japan due to her parents’ work commitments, and trains with 2000 Olympian Danielle LeRay in Sydney during her time in Australia.Fast Facts Birthplace: Meadowbrook, QLDFirst club: Beenleigh PCYCCurrent club: LeRay Gymnastics @ Meriden 

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athlete profiles: rhythmic gymnastics Tara Wilkie A second-year Senior International gymnast, Wilkie is one of Australia’s best up-and-coming Rhythmic talents. In 2014 she produced a clean sweep of the Junior National Titles, and was selected as Oceania’s sole representative for the Youth Olympic Games held in Nanjing, China. Her best results internationally were recorded during the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival (fourth in the All-Around competition), along with a pair of top 10 finishes with Ball and Clubs in the 2013 Bucharest Irina Deleanu Cup in Romania. During the past three Australian Gymnastics Champions, Wilkie has not finished lower than fourth in any event.Fast Facts Born: Sydney, NSWFirst Club: MLC School GymnasticsCurrent Club: MLC School Gymnastics

Danielle Prince Prince represented Australia at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and the 2014 Glasgow Games, winning team gold in 2010. She entered the 2014 Australian Gymnastics Championships and defended her All-Around title, won gold on the Ball, Clubs and Ribbon events bringing her tally of senior individual national titles to 14. At the 2015 Australia Gymnastics Championships Prince swept the tournament by winning every individual competition and team gold. She’s won 21 gold medals to date and will be favoured for more this year.  After narrowly missing out on at Olympic berth in London despite being Australia’s top-ranked Rhythmic Gymnast in 2011, Prince is out to gain selection for Rio in 2016. Fast Facts Born: Brisbane, QLDFirst Club: Splitz GymnasticsCurrent Club: Premier Gymnastics Club

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athlete profiles: trampoline gymnastics Dominic ClarkeThe future of Men’s Trampoline is looking very bright with Clarke on board! His ascent into Senior competition resulted in him securing fourth place on Trampoline and third on Synchronised Trampoline at the Australian Gymnastics Championships in 2015. Starting off his career training at Castle Hill RSL in Sydney, Clarke has come a long way in his very short albeit remarkable career.  Highlights so far include claiming fourth position at the World Age Championship in Bulgaria in 2013, and finishing fifth in the same event in Odense, Denmark in 2015.Fun Facts:Birthplace: Plymouth, EnglandFirst club: Castle Hill, RSLCurrent club: Castle Hill, RSL

Claire ArthurNot many can claim a hat trick of titles to their name, but Arthur surely did! She walked away with the title of National Champion in Women’s Individual Trampoline from 2013 to 2015 at the Australian Gymnastics Championships. Starting off in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics at age four, she moved on to Trampoline training seven years later. She came in seventh in the Synchronised Trampoline event at her very first Australian competition in 2009, and through sheer hard work and determination, has managed to better that standing to the number one spot just three years later.  She cites Bethany Bailey and Matthew Delforce as sportspeople she aspires to. Fast factsBirthplace: Adelaide, SA First club: T-JetsCurrent club: T-Jets

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athlete profiles: trampoline gymnastics Jack Penny One of Australia’s most consistent international competitors in the Men’s Individual Trampoline, this young Tasmanian is definitely one to keep an eye on at this year’s Australian Gymnastics Championships.  He has contested four Senior World Championships and one World Age Group Competition, most recently finishing 65th in the Men’s Individual Trampoline event at last year’s event in Odense, Denmark.  In preparation for the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships, Penny has travelled to the Trampoline World Cup Event in China.   Fast Facts: Birthplace: Launceston, Tasmania First Club: Launceston PCYC Current Club: Apex Trampoline Club/Tasmanian Institute of Sport

Blake GaudryHighly regarded as one of Australia’s best Trampoline talents, Gaudry has come a long way from his foray into the sport at 10 years of age. The sole representative at the London 2012 Olympic Games for Australia in Trampoline Gymnastics, he placed fiftth at the Test Event, and later earned a ranking of 13th place in the Olympic Games.  Over the past four years Gaudry has held the title of Australia Champion from 2012 to 2015, which is further testament to his amazing prowess and dedication to the sport.  After finishing 14th at last year’s World Championships in Denmark, followed by a 9th place finish at the Aquece Rio Test Event last month, Gaudry has secured Australia a position in the Men’s Individual Trampoline event at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, which will be selected at the 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships. Fast Facts:Birthplace: Baulkam Hills, NSWFirst club: Ryde RSLCurrent club: T-Jets, SA

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athlete profiles: trampoline gymnastics Shaun SwadlingShaun broke on to the Senior elite scene in 2011 and made his mark when he brought home gold for Australia in the 2012 Pacific Rim Championships with the Men’s Trampoline team.  The younger half of the Swadling duo, Shaun suffered a string of injuries and subsequently was unable to participate in the 2012 London Olympic trials. Undeterred, Shaun later went on to cap off a fantastic 2014 by winning Bronze in the Synchronised Trampoline competition at the 2014 FIG Minsk World Cup. That success was followed up by being placed seventh in the world at the 2014 World Championships in Florida, USA, in the Men's Individual Trampoline Final. With a recalibrated focus, Shaun has his eye set on his shot at the Road to Rio this year. Fast Facts:Birthplace: Newcastle, NSW First club: Eastlake Trampoline SportsCurrent club: Eastlake Trampoline Sports

Ty SwadlingOne half of the Swadling powerhouse, Ty is easily one of the most versatile Trampoline talents that Australia boasts. Inspired to take up trampolining at age 12 after witnessing Ji Wallace’s Olympic Silver Medal win in Sydney, Ty went on to become Australian Champion in 2011. He was remarkably one of four Trampoline talents who helped Australia achieve a rare slice of history at the 2013 World Championships in Bulgaria, where the Men’s team took home Bronze.  In 2015 Ty placed third at the Australian Gymnastics  Championships, and will be looking to rise up the rankings to secure a spot in Rio in 2016.Fast Facts:Birthplace: Newcastle, NSWFirst club: Eastlake Trampoline SportsCurrent club: Eastlake Trampoline Sports

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athlete profiles: trampoline gymnastics Leanne Van Rensburg‘Perfect practice makes perfect’ is the guiding principle of Van Rensburg’s gymnastics practice. The fruits of her labour emerged in the form of her third place finish in the Individual Trampoline competition and second place in the Synchronised Trampoline competition at the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships. Leanne competes in three events – Trampoline, Double Mini Trampoline and Synchronised Trampoline – signifying her as a versatile competitor.  Van Rensburg has already had a strong start to the competition season, being selected to represent Australia at the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships in Everett, USA.Fast facts:Birthplace:  South Africa First club: North Shore Trampoline Club, AucklandCurrent club: Castle Hill RSL

 

Matthew WealBeginning his foray into the world of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics at the tender age of four, Weal soon transitioned into Trampoline at the age 10. This move yielded a fantastic string of titles, namely the Junior Men’s Australian Champion title on Double-Mini Trampoline (DMT) in 2010 and 2011, and then the same Senior title from 2012 to 2014. Weal’s five year consecutive Australian Championship streak ended in 2015 when he was placed sixth in the finals, however he more than made up for that at the 2015 World Championships in Denmark, where he claimed the Bronze Medal in DMT. Also a strong competitor in the Men’s Individual Trampoline competition, and with his ‘eat, sleep, jump, repeat’ motto guiding him, a spot in Rio is definitely within Weal’s reach. Fun Facts:Birthplace: Blacktown, NSW First club: Castle Hill RSLCurrent club: Castle Hill RSL

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athlete profiles: acrobatic gymnastics Maddison Lacey, Mikayla Stephens and Molly Jewiss (NSW)As the reigning Junior 12-18 Women’s Group from the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships, Maddison, Mikayla and Molly will be after another National Title in 2016.  The seasoned competitors from Oak Flats Acrobatics are fresh off competing at the 2016 World Age Group Competition in Putian, China, where they finished 16th overall, so we can expect a polished performance from this elite group at the 2016 Championships.

Sue Seki, Holly Loquet and Emily Cuddy (VIC)This up-and-coming trio are an exciting prospect for both Victorian and Australian Acrobatic Gymnastics.  The Junior 12-18 Women’s Group from Skylark Gymsports have had a great start to the 2016 competition season, placing 10th in the final of the Flander International Acro Cup in Puurs, Belgium in February.  After finishing 15th after the qualification round, this was a massive achievement to jump five positions during the final round of competition.  In their first Australian Gymnastics Championships competing as an elite group, we look forward to seeing what this trio bring to the floor at Hisense Arena.

 Antonia Maher and Nicole Chan (NSW)Antonia and Nicole were Australia’s top-ranked Junior 11-16 Women’s Pair at the 2016 World Age Group Competition in China earlier this year, placing 13th overall and being named as the second reserve group for finals.  After finishing second at the 2015 Australian Gymnastics Championships to NSW teammates Petra Janda and Daisy Puckeridge, the pair from Sydney’s SXL Gymnastics are sure to be after gold in 2016. 

medal honours roleMen’s Artistic Gymnastics

Gold Australian Men’s Team, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Joshua Jefferis – Parallel Bars, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Samuel Offord – Rings, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Thomas Pichler – Floor, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Prashanth Sellathurai – Pommel Horse, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Philippe Rizzo – High Bar, 2006 World Championships, Aarhus, Denmark Joshua Jefferis – All Around, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Joshua Jefferis – Rings, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Damian Istria – High Bar, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Silver Prashanth Sellathurai – Pommel Horse, 2006 World Championships, Aarhus, Denmark Australian Men’s Team, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Damian Istria – Rings, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Philippe Rizzo – Parallel Bars, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Prashanth Sellathurai – Pommel Horse, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, AUS

Bronze Prashanth Sellathurai – Pommel Horse, 2010 World Championships, Rotterdam, Netherlands Joshua Jefferis – All Around, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Prashanth Sellathurai – Parallel Bars, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Prashanth Sellathurai – Pommel Horse , 2009 World Championships, London, GBR Philippe Rizzo – All Around, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Joshua Jefferis – Parallel Bars, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Samuel Offord – Vault, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Gold Australian Rhythmic Team, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Naazmi Johnston – All Around, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Naazmi Johnston – Ball, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India

Silver Naazmi Johnston – Rope & Ribbon, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Kimberley Mason – Ball, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Australian Rhythmic Team, 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester, United Kingdom Tanya Vahala – Hoop, 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester, United Kingdom

Bronze Australian Rhythmic Team, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Kimberley Mason – Clubs, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Gold Lauren Mitchell – Floor, 2010 World Championships, Rotterdam, Netherlands Australian Women’s Team, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Lauren Mitchell – All Around, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Lauren Mitchell – Bars & Beam, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Australian Women’s Team, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Chloe Sims – All Around, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Holly Dykes – Floor, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia

Silver Australian Women’s Team, 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland Lauren Mitchell – Floor, 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland Mary-Anne Monckton - Beam, 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland Larissa Miller - Bars, 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland Lauren Mitchell – Floor, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Emily Little – All Around, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Georgia Bonora – Bars, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Lauren Mitchell – Beam & Floor, 2009 World Championships, London, Great Britain Holly Dykes – Beam, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Ashleigh Brennan – Floor, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia

Bronze Georgia Bonora – All Around, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Ashleigh Brennan – Floor, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India Holly Dykes – All Around, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Naomi Russell – Vault, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Monette Russo – Bars, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia

Trampoline Gymnastics

Silver Scott Brown & Ben Wilden – Synchronised, 2007 World Championships, Ji Wallace, Trampoline, 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney, Australia

Bronze Men’s Team - 2014 World Championships, Daytona, Florida, USA Matthew Weal -Men’s DMT, 2015 World Championships, Odense, Denmark

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media contact information

To arrange media accreditation for events and interviews with key athletes please contact Gymnastics

Australia Media:

Laura MacintoshPhone: (03) 8698 9700Mobile: 0425 744 741

Email: lmacintosh@gymnastics.org.au

GYMNASTICS AUSTRALIA Sports House

Level 2 / 375 Albert RoadALBERT PARK

VIC, 3206www.gymnastics.org.au

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