Gymnastics: Watch out, Australia

Dunedin's leading rhythmic gymnasts are all smiles after qualifying for the New Zealand team to compete in the Australian championships in May.

They are: front row (from left) Shannon Thorsnes (15) and Ella Hjertquist (11); second row, Sophie Coutts (14) and Melissa Thomson (15); third row, Rosie Hardie (15) and Sarah Morrison (17); back row, Paige Walsh (15), Regan King (16) and Mikaela Walsh (17). Ella, Rosie, Sarah and Regan represent the Greater Green Island club, while Sophie, Melissa, Paige, Shannon and Mikaela represent the Dunedin Gymnastics Academy. Dale Hurring (Greater Green Island) and Claire Lau (Dunedin Gymnastics Academy) also trialled. The gymnasts have been coached by Sonya Hooper and Kendal King (Greater Green Island) and Keita McGowan and Luciana Blaga (Dunedin Gymnastics Academy).