BEAMING:
Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club level-seven gymnasts, from left, Hailey Puls, Kayla Kelm and Brooklyn Fraser are celebrating achievements at Victorian trials in Melbourne. This year marked the first time in 15 years the club had taken a team of girls to the trials. Kayla and Hailey have qualified for senior Victorian women’s artistic championships next month. Story, page 11. Meanwhile, former Natimuk club gymnast Ryan Morrow has qualified for a South Australian state team after a three-year break from competition.
Former Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club member Ryan Morrow will compete against some of Australia’s best gymnasts after qualifying for a South Australian state team.
Morrow, who last year relocated to study at The University of Adelaide, said he was excited about the challenges that lay ahead in the next few months.
“It’s been a goal of mine to be a part of a state team, and I’ve been close to making it multiple times. To finally qualify is just a great feeling,” he said.
A decorated junior gymnast, Morrow, 20, has not competed in the sport for about three years.
During his hiatus, he continued to train at the Natimuk gym and after moving to Adelaide, quickly found a gym in the city.
“State team selection would not have happened without the support of everyone back home over the years,” Morrow said.
He said he was focused on upgrading his skill level and difficulty across all apparatus.
“In particular, I am aiming for floor and vault, where I potentially have the best chance in competition to have an impact,” he said.
“Having these goals to push for will allow me to really grow and develop quickly.
“I can’t wait for the next few months, to have this amazing experience and opportunity to give back to the sport and the people who have given me so much over the years, including coach mum, Lynette Morrow.”
Morrow has already started training with the South Australian team and will compete at Australian Gymnastics Championships in Melbourne in May.
“I have to thank the Nati gym club and its members for their ongoing support, and for really keeping my love in the sport, and my Adelaide gym club, which has taken me on board and really allowed me to continue that passion,” he said.