Gymnasts defy gravity

Rhythmic Gymnastics equals sparkly sequins on leotards, graceful movement of ribbons as they float through the air and routines executed to perfection. Not to mention a lot of hard work.

NICOLE MAYNARD | Rhythmic gymnastics coordinator

Way back in the late 80’s, so long ago, I have fond memories of watching the Olympic Games and being mesmerised by the Rhythmic Gymnastics routines. The gymnasts were so beautiful and so captivating. Watching a routine was like nothing I had seen before – it was truly magical. Of course, these days I now know Rhythmic Gymnastics is so much more than wearing pretty leotards and twirling ribbons. Gymnasts need to be strong, graceful, flexible and agile. Girls must possess a level of coordination but have the ability to perform a routine to music with their chosen apparatus. The sport is certainly not for the faint hearted.

Cut to 2021, and after a year’s reprieve— thank you Global Pandemic—it was wonderful to see so many St Peters students returning to a sport they truly love.

Rhythmic Gymnastics was of course no exception. The girls were super excited to be returning and I, on the other hand, was thrilled to be taking on the role of Coordinator for the sport. We also welcomed back our talented Head Coach, Phoebe Anderson, and her amazing team of Assistant Coaches, all of whom are so experienced and dedicated to student development and improvement. Their passion and knowledge for all things Rhythmic Gymnastics is second to none.

For this season, the main focus for our girls was Hoop and Ball. Both apparatuses, naturally, presented a level of difficulty and at times, proved to be hard to master. The Hoop incorporated such movements as rolling, throwing, catching and rotations around the hand and body. Whilst the Ball, roughly the size of a small netball, relied on elements of throwing, bouncing and rolling. All Rhythmic Gymnastics groups were formed according to age and experience. Apart from the ‘Opens’, each group consisted of four girls and their chosen apparatus.

The girls worked tirelessly at training and throughout the season. Time and time again they proved how quickly they could adapt to the many changes due to the COVID-19 restrictions and when it came to the QGSSSA Competition Day, although it was tough, it was without a doubt a tremendous effort from each and every one of our girls. The standard of their performances was exceptional. We are so proud of their efforts and of their St Peters spirit—Plus Ultra all the way!

With the season now fully behind us, I am excited for what lies ahead in 2022. I look forward to seeing some new faces and hopefully some old faces as well but ultimately, I look forward to another successful season of Rhythmic Gymnastics!

Special Acknowledgements:

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following people: • A BIG thank you to all the girls and their families, for their commitment, hard work and determination. Without your continued support, none of this would be possible. • Thank you to the 2021 Rhythmic Gymnastics Captains, Michelle Wei (Captain, Year 12) and Jessica Logan (Vice-Captain, Year 11) for lending their time and offering their assistance to the Coaches and to the whole RG team throughout the season. • A special thank you to Phoebe Anderson (Head Coach) and her team of Assistant Coaches. Phoebe’s knowledge and passion for the sport is truly outstanding. The girls are so blessed to have Phoebe as their coach! • And finally, a BIG BIG thank you to Mrs Anne-Marie Champion. Your continued support and guidance throughout the entire season, not only for Rhythmic Gymnastics but for all Girls Sport – is so greatly appreciated. You are the epitome of hard working, care, compassion and cool!