Champion shows them the moves

Meeting Commonwealth Games medallist Naazmi Johnston (yellow shirt) recently were (back l-r) United Gymnastics coach Sammy Larnach and students Madeleine and Amber, with aspiring gymnasts (front l-r) Leilani, Jacinta, Jordan, Marley and Maggie.

What better way for United Gymnastics students to prepare for the Rhythmic Gymnastics State Championships than to have a Commonwealth Games gold medallist come and show them some moves.

Naazmi Johnston, who won three gold and two silver medals for rhythmic gymnastics at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, recently visited United Gymnastics in Alstonville to host a flexibility workshop for 35 aspiring gymnasts, help girls on the way to the Championships with their routines and hold a come and try class for littlies.

"The girls were really nervous but very excited. She's their idol,"; coach Sammy Larnach said. "It was a real privilege to have Naazmi come along. To have someone so experienced give the girls pointers on how to express to the judges was really beneficial. A component of judging is artistry, which is all about presenting, and you have to keep focussed on the little things like smiling, keeping your head up, your arms straight.

"It just gave them that little bit of extra confidence knowing someone so well trained had given them some tips and it was fresh in their mind when they attended the Championships.";

Much to Sammy's delight, the girls came back with some with impressive results.

Jacinta Coppola won a bronze medal for ball and came fifth overall in the Championships for her division (Level 1 Sub Junior) while Madeleine Elder (Level 5 Senior) and came Amber Thirlaway (Level 6 Senior) both placed 10th in their divisions.