ILLUSIONS gymnasts from Jimboomba were among the winners at the 2018 Gymnastics Queensland Rhythmic Gymnastics Multiples Challenge at Stretton State College, in Brisbane’s south on the weekend.
More than 130 gymnasts aged from six to 18 showcased their rhythmic gymnastics skills in the event on Saturday, September 8, 2018.
The multiples challenge is a visual feast, with pairs, trios, and groups of four presenting spectacular routines with apparatus including balls, hoops, clubs and ribbons.
A team of 24 Illusions gymnasts, hailing from Jimboomba and the Gold Coast, competed in the event against teams from PCYC Elegance, Elite and Rivercity Academy.
Most were competing for the first time, said Illusions head coach Renay Downey.
“It was a crazy and rewarding day,” Ms Downey said.
“I was so proud of how the girls conducted themselves and their courage in performing even when they were very nervous.
“We had some great results.”
Category one juniors Ruby Dunning, Isla Johnson, Ciara O’Byrne, Jessica Vocisano won their category, pair Annika Lyons and Lyla Lindemann placed third and another team made up of Jessica Grant, Jadelyn Grant, Aria Atkinson and Alex Leece-Picton came sixth.
Category three group Kelsi Farrow, Kym Moule, Tashi McKinnon and Chloe Smith placed third.
The Illusions girls are now working now working towards the State Multiples on October 14 at Roberston Primary School.
Gymnastics Queensland chief executive Kym Dowdell said the weekend challenge was the first multiples event on the sport calendar and a practice event ahead of the National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast from September 13 to October 5.
Rhythmic gymnastics compete from September 30 to October 5.
“The National Clubs Carnival will be huge, with registrations already up six per cent on last year’s event which was held in Bendigo,” Ms Dowdell said.
“The Multiples Challenge this weekend is the perfect opportunity for these talented gymnasts to hone their routines,” she said.
“The girls will perform in either pairs, trios or groups of four – with their various apparatus – and we expect the 90 routines to be just breathtaking.”
“The flexibility, coordination and skill that these gymnasts possess is impressive and all the girls have been training hard in the lead up to this event.”
Running in conjunction with the Multiples Challenge will be an Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) competition, where groups of six to 10 gymnasts performed choreographed routines without the assistance of apparatus.
“The AGG competition involves the gymnasts performing sequences freehand that include dance, gymnastics moves and amazing lifts, all to a soundtrack. It’s absolutely beautiful to watch,” Ms Dowdell said.
“We look forward to seeing the high calibre routines from competitors representing four clubs from around Brisbane and the Gold Coast.”
“We encourage anyone looking for an enjoyable family day out to come along to the event.”
