Nine YMCA Geelong Gymnastics Club athletes were selected to represent the Victorian team that competed at the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast.
“Our athletes delivered standout performances filled with strength, precision, and competitive spirit across all levels,” YMCA Geelong chief executive Shona Eland said.
“We had three athletes selected for debut and six athletes returned to the Victorian state team selection and sisters Vivian and Asher Bayles gained a spot in the Victoria contingent.
“We are excited for the future of our athletes in our region in the sport of gymnastics on the national stage. All our athletes achieved an outstanding top 10 result across the week.”
Senior International
Asher Bayles – 3rd All Around, 6th Bars, 8th Beam, 8th Floor, Victorian Team Gold: The 18-year-old was the most experienced athlete on the floor with poise and power, showing exactly what years of hard work can produce at the top level of competition.
Future International
Poppy Masters – 5th All Around, 3rd Vault, 10th Bars, 5th Beam, 8th Floor, Victorian Team Gold: In her first year at this level, Poppy held her own against some of the country’s best up-and-coming athletes. A remarkable debut with plenty more to come.
Level 10
Vivian Bayles – 10th All Around, 9th Vault, 15th Bars, 16th Beam, 9th Floor and Charli Cox – 17th All Around, 3rd Vault, 22nd Bars, 19th Beam, 7th Floor:
The Level 10 athletes displayed grit and grace, tackling tough routines with confidence and maturity in one of the most challenging divisions.
Level 9 Over
Mia Fewster – 6th All Around, 10th Vault, 12th Bars, 4th Beam, 5th Floor, Victorian Team Silver: Mia put together a beautiful competition, showing strong form across all events and making her mark among Victoria’s top Level 9 gymnasts.
Level 9 Under
Porsche Bates – 11th All Around, 9th Vault, 9th Bars, 11th Beam, 10th Floor, Victorian Team Silver and Lucy Riddle – 4th All Around, 11th Vault, 1st Bars – Gold, 3rd Beam, 6th Floor,|Victorian Team Silver: The younger Level 9 competitors impressed with their consistency, control, and podium-worthy routines. A brilliant effort from both Lucy and Porsche on debut.
Level 8 Under
Aria Posterino – 13th All Around, 19th Vault, 5th Bars, 13th Beam, 15th Floor:
Aria took on her first nationals with great energy and focus, showing strong skills and big potential for the future.
Level 9 Under (Men’s Artistic Gymnastics)
Mitch Hornsby – 11th All Around, 5th Floor, 8th Pommel, 5th Rings, 12th High Bar: The club’s sole MAG representative, Mitch brought determination and style to his routines, holding his own in a highly skilled national field.
Y Geelong Gymnastics Club also had Abbey Bow (Team Coach Level 9), Katelyn Hancock (Personal Coach level 9) and Rhian Jamieson (Personal Coach level 10 and International) selected as coaches and Shani Cashin (Judge levels and International) in the Victorian State Gymnastics Team that attended the championships.
