Another trophy added to cabinet

Her success in her sport led to her winning the 16 Sportswoman of the Year title at the Counties Manukau Sport Franklin Junior Sports Awards and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, which she said was a thrilling achievement.

‘‘I was very surprised, because the calibre of the kids in the younger categories had been amazing. To hear that I had won, it was very amazing and I was very proud I could represent Rosehill College at the awards.

‘‘It’s all the hard work I’ve put in through the years has paid off, I’ve had great support from Rosehill and my parents.’’

She competed in gymnastics for nine years, before turning to aerobic gymnastics after an elbow injury. The sport consists of the athlete performing high intensity movement patterns to music, to demonstrate flexibility, power and strength.

‘‘The most important thing to do in the routine is to look like you’re having fun. Even when you’re dead inside, you keep going and you smile the whole way through.

‘‘I get to about half way and I want to go home and have a sleep. It’s very mentally tough to keep pushing your body through to the very end.

‘‘I love the atmosphere and how everyone supports you and your coach is yelling at you from the sidelines. I love getting out there and seeing the crowd and knowing in that very moment I’ve got to go out there and do it right.’’

She trains for eight hours a week and is aiming for the Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships in 2022.

‘‘I’m loving aerobics right now, I’m going to keep it up for many many years,’’ she said.