Godwin gets a little help on journey

AN INSPIRATIONAL speech by world gymnastic superstar Nadia Comaneci has been the secret ingredient behind the rise of Queenslander Georgia Godwin, who is in the box seat to snare Commonwealth Games selection.

When Godwin, 20, won her first-ever overseas competition, the prestigious 2014 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational competition in Oklahoma City, she not only received a medal but also some bonus advice.

Former Romanian star Comaneci, now based in the United States, urged Godwin (pictured) and the Australian team to keep striving hard and to not give up during tough times.

Comaneci is the planet’s most famous gymnast after becoming the first in Olympic history to achieve a perfect 10, in Montreal in 1976. She then achieved six more perfect scores at the Montreal Games as well as three Olympic gold medals. “Nadia didn’t have to come over and speak to us (the Australian team) but she did. She achieved all of those perfect scores in her career. When anyone of Nadia’s status says something to you, it sticks with you,” Godwin said.

Gold Coast-raised Godwin hopes to be named in the Games team next week.