Training pays off for TA’s young gymnasts
Ericksen, Chisholm to represent Waikato at nationals
Endless hours of dedicated training has paid off big-time for Te Awamutu senior gymnasts Josh Chisholm and Dylan Ericksen who have been selected to represent Waikato at the 2018 New Zealand National Gymnastics Championships.
One of their coaches, Leanne Robinson, will accompany them as assistant coach for the men’s artistic gymnastics team.
Chisholm and Ericksen have had strong seasons achieving qualification for the men’s team at Level 4.
They will join nine other Level 4 boys in the 17 strong Waikato MAG team at the champs being held at Bay Park, Mt Maunganui from October 3-6.
Achieving qualification included five weekends away at competitions and meeting the standard set by the provincial selection committee, followed by approval from the national committee.
Under coaches Robinson and Colleen Cadman, the boys have worked hard on fitness, strength and technical components for all of the apparatus they are required to compete on, including high bar, rings, parallel bars, pommel, floor and vault.
Training involves at least six hours a week at the gym all year round, including during the school holiday breaks.
Upcoming fundraising events to support the boys in their nationals journey includes raffles and a cake stall at a Garage Sale on Saturday, September 15 at 61 Beechey St, Pirongia from 8.30am, along with Whittaker’s chocolate sales. More events will be advertised on the Te Awamutu GymSports Facebook page as dates get confirmed.
The junior gymnastics season is now winding down following the Midlands Junior Championships in Rotorua at the weekend. Competitors from all over the Midlands Regions (Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki) compete for regional titles.
The Te Awamutu team produced outstanding results, posting personal bests and podium finishes.
Step three competitor Sasha Huggett placed second on the vault and third overall. Step one (unders) contestant Bayley Dudson placed first on the vault, third on beam and fourth overall. Willow Parker placed third on the floor.