Aerobics star soars
RISING sports aerobics star 12yearold Danica Kramers always makes sure she gets her homework out of the way before a rigorous training session.
Just one year on from taking up the sport, the Invercargill youngster has already gained the national title at the New Zealand Competitive Aerobics Federation (NZCAF) — and has no plans to stop there.
‘‘You have to be extremely fit to do the routines. It’s a lot of hard work and training but I like it because it’s really upbeat and energetic and [the aerobics community] are really supportive.’’
Between school, gym sessions, training and competitions, Kramers has little time to think about anything other than making it to the world stage.
The ultimate goal for sports aerobics competitors — the Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness World Championships (FISAF), is set to be hosted by France this October.
‘‘We watched the live stream of last year’s competition. My goal is getting into the finals for the world champs.’’
A dancer since age 3, Kramers trained at Invercargill dance school La Muse for several years before being introduced to sports aerobics.
‘‘There was a haveago day at primary school and the judge asked me if I would like to get into it.’’
Now a member of Dunedinbased team Queen’s Aerobics, Kramers has since competed and won regional and national competitions.
In order to qualify for the world championships by June, her Invercargill and Dunedinbased coaches will continue to submit videos of her routines to a New Zealand judging panel.
Just last weekend, she trained with world renowned Czech Republicbased aerobics coach, Brenton Andreoli, a seventime world champion who is no stranger to training gold medallists.
Andreoli said the duo worked on core control, technique and making Kramers routine ‘‘more dynamic’’.
‘‘Dani is an extremely hard worker who has a clear talent for anything performance based. She is extremely charismatic and will take on any criticism that will better herself.’’
He said he had no doubt she would qualify for the world champs based on her drive and skill.
Kramers said it was ‘‘pretty amazing’’ to learn from someone who had such a successful career in the sport.
‘‘He taught me to be sharp, precise and strong in all my movements.’’