Shire gymnasts return home from National Championships with massive haul of medals
Medallists: Senior Acrobatic trio Aimee Chalk, Erin Brooks and Lauren Agostini from Acrogym. Picture: Supplied.
After a thrilling two weeks on the Gold Coast, Shire gymnasts have stormed home with a huge haul of medals.
The talented 25 athletes, who train at three different local clubs, joined around 400 gymnasts chosen to represent NSW in the battle of the year at the premier gymnastics event following a series of selection trials.
Their efforts contributed to the NSW team winning more medals than any other state - 125 gold, 120 silver and 113 bronze.
Senior Acrobatic trio Aimee Chalk (15-years-old), Erin Brooks (22-years-old), and Lauren Agostini (20-years-old) from Acrogym won silver across the board and have now qualified for the Australian National Squad.
They reunited for the National Championships after competing at the World Championships in 2018.
The team were thrilled to have their parents and friends back in the audience cheering them on.
"I'm still full of adrenaline and excitement. Although I never gave up, it was tough trying to stay focused and active last year with our gym closed," Chalk said.
"It's been a huge relief to get back to in-person events and I've never been more motivated to give it my all.
"This championship has been a dream come true."
Shire Gymnastics' Alana Nesci competed in the Level Nine team, where they held their own and earned a Silver medal finish. She also placed seventh on Vault.
Meanwhile, nothing could stop Charlotte Wong from The NSW Academy of Gymnastics from a gold in bars in Women's Artistic Gymnastics, along with a silver for her all-around performance.
She was one of three from the academy to medal in a proud day for the club.
NSW competed across six competitive styles of gymnastics - Acrobatic, Aerobic, Men's Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline and Women's Artistic Gymnastics.
Gymnastics NSW CEO Aaron Bloomfield congratulated every athlete who took to the floor and the coaches who supported them.
"It's been an incredible two weeks," he said.
"The results showcase the sensational effort from our athletes and coaches. They have all made Team NSW proud.
"After the disappointment of last year's cancellation of most gymnastics events, gymnasts, coaches and clubs have shown their resilience and hard work has paid off, " Mr Bloomfield said.