Tumut’s Gym Fun Gymnastic Centre had a day to remember at the Orange Women’s Artistic Gymnastic (WAG) Invitational on Sunday, with their 11 competitors combining to bring home a swag of medals.
The event was the first time Tumut Gym Fun had competed in WAG events, as they traditionally have entered only Team Gym competitions, and as a result, owner and coach Petrina Buckmaster, was over the moon.
“We had an awesome carnival,” Buckmaster said.
“Every kid placed really well, it was a banded competition, so the kids were competing against their own level, but I was super proud, I cried.
“I was that overwhelmed. We were so nervous going in, and as soon as we got there and saw what it was all about, we just knew we would smash it.”
Tumut’s Gym Fun earned rave reviews at Orange and were invited back later this year.
“They went out there confident, I was so much more nervous than them and they killed it,” Buckmaster said.
“All the judges and coaches commented on the kids, and told us what beautiful competitors they were, and for our first event, I was so happy to get good feedback.
“We were even invited back in September, so we can try out for the regional team, which is blended between the Riverina and Western regions.”
Over 200 kids entered the competition, and Buckmaster was just happy to see her team performing well on the big stage.
“Overall, we have never been to a live WAG competition and they have learned their routines off videos and manuals, and to go in there and smash it – I’m just speechless,” Buckmaster said.
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Stella McGuffie, Emily Somersville, Zoey Dean, Myah Clarke, Makayla Lotter, Mackenzie Garner all medalled in level one foundation events at the Orange Women’s Artistic Gymnastic (WAG) Invitational on Sunday. -
Charlee Arnold, Sophie Garner and Lacey Garner are all smiles with their medals.
Arguably Buckmaster’s proudest moments came when she watched level three athletes, Georgie Austin and Olivia Dean, winning seven gold medals between them.
“Georgie and Olivia have been waiting to go to a WAG competition forever and they were so ready to compete,” Buckmaster said.
“They were competing in level three, which is really amazing, and being their first event, they did such a good job.”
Both competitors were exceptional on the day, and Buckmaster said the pair consistently set a good example for the young gymnasts at Tumut’s Gym Fun.
“They are both junior coaches within the gym, they are always mentoring and supporting all the kids and they are wonderful,” Buckmaster said.
“Regardless of what has gone on in the gym, it’s never about the competition, but it is about the love of the game, which makes them such good little gymnasts.”
Olivia and Georgie are Tumut Gym Fun products, which makes their success all the more impressive.
“They have been here since they were babies,” Buckmaster said.
“They are beautiful tumblers, and they have the strength and the poise that you need and when you see a gymnast, they are so tight and strong and have a good demeanour, and George and Olivia have all of that.”
For the moment, Buckmaster and her little gymnasts will focus their attention back on Team Gym, with major events on the horizon.
“These gym kids, they will go back and start training for the Team Gym Country Championships in Armidale on June 26-30,” Buckmaster said.
Medals galore for local gymnasts - Tumut and Adelong Times
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