From Olympic medallists to local talents — the best of New Zealand’s gymnastics was on display in Invercargill this weekend.
About 900 athletes descended on the Deep South to compete in aerobics, rhythmic, men’s and women’s artistic, and trampoline gymnastics on the last day of the 2022 New Zealand Gymnastics Championships on Saturday, at the ILT Stadium Southland.
Gymnastics New Zealand media and broadcasting manager Anna Robertson said the event was a success, and more than 1500 medals were awarded across the 230-odd events.
"It has been such a pleasure being back in Invercargill. The local community have been very welcoming and the team at ILT Stadium Southland are a dream to work with. The venue caters perfectly to our competition needs, and it was great to have the velodrome this year for our trampoline competitions."
She said there were many highlights in the competition — including Olympians Maddie Davidson and Dylan Schmidt taking out trampoline titles and level 4 athlete Sean Dawson representing Whanganui/Manawatu earning a perfect score of 12.000 for his vault.
"It’s been a long and challenging journey for many to get to the championships, particularly for Aucklanders who were kept out of the gym for longer, so to have so many athletes able to attend and put up routines that have been in the making for so long is always a highlight."
Otago and Southland were very well represented — the first scored 42 medals (21 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze), while the host region earned 31 medals (11 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze).
Southland women’s artistic gymnastics co-ordinator Petra Grieve said the team was happy to get good results at home.
"They are very happy and proud. They've worked hard, and I believe to have their family and friends around made them feel more confident and calm."
Many of the athletes not only competed, but followed the whole competition, she said.
"It is great to have the best athletes in the country competing in our home and I think everyone from Southland worked hard to make our community proud."
