Logan gymnasts take on the world
Logan PCYC is a home to champions.
The huge club has a massive number of young gymnasts who train there – around 400 – ranging from those with their eye on the national championships, to those after some fun and new skills.
Of these 400, 27 rhythmic gymnasts will compete in the upcoming 2023 Gymnastics Queensland Senior State Championships, being held in Logan from 24 – 26 March.
Logan PCYC’s reps, aged 9 to 17, will include 7 individuals, 2 mini groups (6 to 9 years), a development group of 10 – 12 years, a junior group of 13 – 15-years and a Senior group for over-16s.
Rhythmic gymnastics involves individual athletes or groups performing a routine on the floor with handheld apparatus like rope hoops, balls, ribbons and clubs.
PCYC rhythmic gymnastics team leader Kerrie Mancini has been coaching gymnastics for her entire career and was a competitive gymnast prior to that, and says she enjoys seeing the athletes thrive in the sport.
‘We have the most international groups competing anywhere in Queensland, and everyone gets pretty excited about competitions,’ she says.
‘The gymnasts are all very disciplined and dedicated athletes; they all work really hard and very well together. In a group routine there are 5 gymnasts performing on a floor at once, therefore you have to be really synchronized and enjoy teamwork.
‘I have coached many of the athletes since they were very young, so it is lovely to see them reach goals and achieve their childhood dreams.’
Its no easy feat to become a successful rhythmic gymnast – there’s a lot to remember in every skill performed.
‘Rhythmic gymnasts are typically flexible with good hand eye coordination, competitive gymnasts are disciplined and enjoy training,’ Kerrie says.
‘You need to be physically and mentally tough as well.’
She says gymnastics is increasing in popularity at the club – especially since moving into their new building last year.
‘We are seeing lots and lots of interest, which is great,’ she says.
For more information about the gymnastics program, head here.
To find out about the Queensland Seniors Championships, head here.
