Gisborne gymnast Sophie Strano has won third at the Australian Gymnastics Championships.
Sophie competed in Sydney on June 28 and 29, across eight events, successfully sticking all performances.
Her score on the first day was 47.500 and combined score over the two days was 95.850. This not only put Sophie in third place overall, bur her score of 48.350 on the second day is the highest score a Gisborne Jets gymnast has had in Level 8.
“Going to the national championships was a blur, it came and went so fast, but something I gained from it was, if you put in the hours and enjoy the experience and the rest will come,” Sophie said.
Sophie’s mother, Eve Strano, conveyed the excitement of watching Sophie compete.
“It was the joy on her face for sticking all eight performances over the two days, and getting better and better each time and her self-belief grow that was just so exciting to watch,” she said.
“She didn’t plan to just make the Victorian team, she went to nationals to prove that she deserved to be there. She did just that.”
Sophie’s coach, Camilla Camondo, said she was very proud of Sophie’s achievements.
“Sophie exceeded every goal she set this year, achieving a new personal best score, and I couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments,” she said.
“She conducted herself with maturity and professionalism throughout the Australian Championships while still embracing every moment with confidence and enjoyment.
“Sophie is an absolute pleasure to coach — her self-motivation, dedication, and strong work ethic make her a standout athlete, and she has a very bright future ahead.”
Sophie has gone as far as she can in Level 8. She is now up-skilling and will be competing in Level 9 next year. Although a few years away from being possible, Sophie does have international aspirations.
While being an active competitor, Sophie is also completing her year 11 studies, coaching gymnastics and training. She also runs a small business making and selling resin items, such as jewellery, key rings, hair items and household items, at markets.
This is part of her down-time where she can balance all the energy she likes to expel in gymnastics and enjoy creating her resin items. To view Sophies resin art, visit her Instagram or Facebook: SS Designs Resin