By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S aerodance team has come home with gold medals from an International Aerobic Championships in Las Vegas.
The six 15 and 16-year-olds took out their section ahead of teams from Germany and Argentina.
They were the only members of a strong Australian contingent to win medals at the event, the longest running championships of its kind in the world.
Their coach, Justine Bratanavicius, who was also co-coach of the Australian team, said the girls were emotional after their win.
“All their hard work was worth it in the end. It was a long journey and it hit them suddenly when they were announced as the winners.”
Ms Bratanavicius said the group, which trains at Grovedale’s Aerosports Allstars, was leading narrowly after the first round.
“It’s always hard to stay on top but they managed it. Their quickness in synchronisation and their tight formations nailed it.”
The team’s two-minute routine combined hip-hop dance within overall gymnastics moves choreographed to music.
The competition was judged on flexibility, strength, coordination, agility and presentation.
