Chloe’s Paris Olympics mission

FORMER national coach Peggy Liddick believes Wandana Heights gymnast Chloe Saliaris is on track to achieve her Olympic dream by the Paris games in 2024.

Chloe, 12, is already a national champion on the beams and was ranked fifth overall at the Australian Classic on the Gold Coast in September.

While still eligible to compete against girls 13 and under next year — where Liddick believes she would continue to win — the experienced mentor is considering rising her in class to take on girls two years her senior in 2019.

“She might have a rough year but I think it will do her ture. I think she’s got the goods. Whether or not we keep her healthy and she learns the skills required, that’s yet to be determined, but all indicators are that she’s on track — that’s all I’ll promise anybody.

“She’s very talented physically, but she’s just got that special X-factor of a work ethic that’s not normal for a 12-yearold. She knows what she wants and she’s very determined.”

Mum Kylie Saliaris said her daughter spends 33 hours a week at the Prahran gym, three mornings before school, five afternoons after school as well as Saturdays.

“She’s training at the moment for the 2024 Olympics and the coaches seem to say she’s got a gymnastics brain and they’re pretty confident she’ll make it with no injuries or anything,” she said.

“She’s amazing on the floor and that was her favourite, but now she’s more beams and bars. She’s very determined and loves the challenge of new skills.”

Chloe’s future targets include the Australian Championships at Hisense Arena in May, 2019.

Chloe is one of seven local sportspeople short-listed for the Geelong Advertiser Junior Sports Star of the Year award, to be announced tonight at the Barwon Sports Academy awards dinner.