Skipping stars jumping to Japan world titles

They’re Super Sonics by name and by nature. A group of Crestmead girls has had a meteoric introduction to the sport of jumping rope, and these young stars are still rising.

The pre-teens from Crestmead State School began skipping through the Heart Foundation’s annual ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ fundraising program and only trained seriously from early 2024.

They first competed in rope-jumping in June 2024, as Crestmead Super Sonics.

Then 23 girls competed in the state championships, and 16 won medals and qualified for the nationals.

Now, 8 Super Sonics have qualified to be part of the ‘Ropearoos’ Australian team that will contest the world junior championships in Japan in July.

They are: Gabrielle Kanoyangwa, 12; Alexis Duffy, 12; Mikayla Cooper, 12; Willow Aliphon, 11; Isley Tinoa’I, 11; Peyton Rowley, 11; and twins Sophia and Grace Thao, 11.

ABOVE: Cr Paul Jackson attending a Super Sonics training session at Crestmead State School.

Division 5 Councillor Paul Jackson has supported the fledging club by providing funding for new skipping ropes and attending training sessions to admire the determination and talent of the young rope jumpers.

‘This really is an intensive sport that requires skill, fitness and agility,’ Cr Jackson says.

‘These young girls have worked so hard to get to world standard so quickly and I wish them all the best when they compete in Japan.’

The Super Sonics are coached by Crestmead SS teachers Deb Lewandowski and John Tucker.

‘They all work hard together and support each other to not give up when things get tough,’ Deb says.

‘These girls are showing they are high-achievers who are ready to compete against the world’s best.’

Fundraising is now underway to help cover the cost of competing in Japan.

PHOTO AT TOP: Cr Paul Jackson with the Super Sonics rope jumpers, who are heading to compete in Japan.