Gym pair on international stage

Hannah Rushton and Ashleigh Strawn both picked up a collection of medals at an American international rhythmic gymnastics competition over the weekend. Photo: FILE

Two local rhythmic gymnasts spun, skipped and leaped their way ahead of international competition last weekend.

Ashleigh Strawn and Hannah Rushton competed in the annual Spring Fling Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational, in Columbus, Ohio.

Hannah, 12, competed in Level 4 and came first in hoop, third in rope, third in freehand, as well as coming third overall in her age group. The Otumoetai Intermediate student was competing against more than 40 others.

Nine-year-old Ashleigh competed in Level 3, coming fifth in ball, sixth in rope and sixth in freehand. The Omanu School pupil also placed sixth overall in her age group, in a field of more than 40 competitors.

Both girls attend Argos GymSport in Tauranga and train under coach Gabrielle Nielsen. The Spring Fling invitational is the largest rhythmic competition in the United States with more than 550 gymnasts competing.

This year gymnasts attended from Malaysia, Brazil, Russia, Canada, Greece, Puerto Rico, Japan, Chile and the US.