Stars of gym on hunt for state title

QUEENSLAND’S gymnastics stars of tomorrow will come together from Saturday, intent on launching themselves into the limelight.

Close to 1000 participants from 53 clubs across the state will compete at the Gymnastics Queensland Junior State Championships in Brisbane.

The junior state championships, hosted by Gymnastics Queensland in partnership with Brisbane City Council through the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, is one of the most significant events on the gymnastics calendar.

All competitors have to qualify at a regional level in order to take part.

Each division competes for gold on four or six apparatuses, and the athlete who scores the best overall across the board wins the prestigious title of All-Around State Champion.

The event also hosts the regional team challenge where squads are selected in each level from the eight regions across Queensland.

The teams are competing for the top three positions in each level and ultimately the title of “Best Region”.

“This event is the culmination of months of hard work, training and commitment from these young gymnasts, who have all performed at a high level in their regional area,” Gymnastics Queensland chief executive officer Chris Rushton said.

“It is a great opportunity for gymnasts to learn from their peers across the state, with competitors travelling from as far north as Cairns and Townsville right down to the southern Gold Coast.

“I wish all competitors the best of luck with their final preparations and encourage people to come and see for themselves the amazing abilities these gymnasts possess.”

The Gymnastics Queensland Junior State Championships will take place from Saturday to next Wednesday at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler.

OUR LIVE STREAM OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL RUN FROM 8AM-8PM EACH DAY OF THE COMPETITION