NATIONAL STAGE BECKONS COAST GYMNASTS
THE national stage is calling for three Gold Coast gymnasts who have the Commonwealth Games to thank for their sporting rise.
Sonya Lee, Riana Narushima and Sunny Bower, all of the Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, starred at the Queensland titles.
Lee, 18 and a full-time medical student at Griffith University, claimed the Level 10 division crown, awarded two gold medals in her hoop and clubs routine and two silver for ball and ribbon.
Narushima, 10, competed in the high performance SubJunior Division and finished second overall, winning two gold in her ball and freehand routine and two silver for rope and hoop.
Palm Beach Currumbin student Bower, 14 and ranked No.2 in Australia last year, competed in the Level 9 division, taking gold in her hoop routine.
Those efforts mean the trio, along with coach Galina Yegoroba, will now head to the Australian National Championships from May 21 to June 4 at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena.
“The gymnasts are dedicated, hard-working and passionate about rhythmic gymnastics,” said Akoulina Rollington, head coach of the Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. “They train five days a week at Marymount College and are hopeful to be future Australian representatives.
“The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games has really motivated the girls and opened their eyes to the possibilities.”