Eli wins squad opportunity
Natimuk club gymnast Eli Bailey has won selection to attend a Gymnastics Victoria men’s high performance program testing day following success at recent state championships.
Eli will be among other gymnasts working towards being selected for a 2019 MAG development squad, designed to develop athletes to achieve sustained podium success at international benchmark events.
Natimuk head coach Lynette Morrow said it was a privilege to be selected and a real honour for Eli.
She said the training day would be at Melbourne’s State Gymnastics Centre in early November and results from the day would be reviewed by a panel for possible selection into the squad.
Four Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club members competed at the junior Victorian championships.
Eli, Ben Grey and Edward Jones represented the club in level three competition, while Remi Bailey competed at level four.
Eli won a silver medal with his floor routine and placed sixth on parallel bars, while brother Remi placed sixth in high bar and eighth overall in his level from more than 100 competitors.
Morrow said each of her charges had performed well at the championships and would benefit from the experience.
“The boys competed well and hit their goals and benchmarks,” she said.
“It was Remi’s first year at level four, and for him to finish eighth overall is certainly an encouraging sign.”
Morrow said while Ben and Edward did not place in their events, they performed well and were competitive.