A word from the Yard's gymnastics
Keira Hunt (17)
I train to compete in all apparatus as an artistic gymnast. I’ve been training at The Yard since it opened in 2016, but Rosanna has coached and known me since I was around six.
In 2016, I made the move from another club to The Yard for two key reasons: the facilities are by far the best, with multiples of equipment that makes training super-efficient, and the experience and vision of the coaching team – not only what they’ve contributed to my development but also the extensive network they have around the world. As a student, the training programme has taught me how to balance my time between my school and gym life. It has given me the skills of balancing hard work and a challenging schedule to ensure I’m pushing myself to the best of my abilities. Most importantly, as a person, the gym has shaped me into who I am today.
Danielle Huisamen (16)
I’ve been training as an artistic gymnast at The Yard since 2016. As an athlete, I have been taught how to make the most out of my time in the gym. Perseverance, determination and grit are all qualities that come to mind when I think about training at The Yard. These attributes correspond directly to me as a student and have given me the tools to balance my school work well with my intense weekly training schedule.
Every day I walk through the doors, I feel loved and supported by each and every person that works and trains there. In the middle of this year, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to have extensive surgery to get it removed. Every morning when I was lying in the hospital, I was woken with a call from my lovely teammates, making sure I was okay. Now with the all-clear from my doctors, I’m excited to get back on track for my college aspirations.
To anyone considering joining The Yard, I would say definitely do it. If you’re willing to put in the work and want to be a part of something great, then this is 100 percent the place for you.
Lucy Warburton (17)
The Yard has helped me develop as an athlete in many aspects, including gaining confidence while learning new skills, and putting myself out there to perform proudly in competitions. I never thought that working towards a college scholarship would be an option, until Rosanna and the team laid out the pathway for it. It’s an ambitious goal, especially with the setbacks that COVID created for us; however, The Yard has always taught us to aim high and work hard, and not let the status quo in Singapore sport put a ceiling on what we can achieve.
Being a gymnast and training lots of hours has definitely helped me as a student. I have to manage my time and keep very organised, especially being in my last year at school and a gymnast who trains 25 hours a week. It has allowed me to excel in both gymnastics and school as it has required me to be very focused and disciplined around my studies.
I’m really lucky, as The Yard works very closely with my school ensuring they know the unique position I am in with my sport and academics. This relationship has given me recognition for all my achievements in gymnastics outside of school life while also keeping key stakeholders in the school aware of the training challenges I’ll be facing.
I would definitely recommend The Yard as it allows you to excel in all aspects of your life. During the pandemic, the team were relentless at ensuring we could continue our training in whatever capacity the rules would allow. The Yard is such a big part of my life and I wouldn’t want to be without it!
• #01-03 The Bestway Centre, 10 Science Centre Road | 6816 8022
• 72 Loewen Road, Dempsey Hill | 6914 9660
• #03-05 Sime Darby Centre, 896 Dunearn Road | 6914 9669 rosanna@theyard.com.sg | theyard.com.sg