Lily does us proud at Aussie nationals

Gisborne trampolinist Lily Arnold made finals in all her categories at the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast. Her focus has shifted to the NZ nationals in July and then the big one — the world champs in Birmingham. Picture by Paul Rickard

Gisborne trampolinist Lily Arnold finished out of the medals but took plenty away from her experience at the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast.

Hawke’s Bay-Poverty Bay NZ representative Arnold gave her best against a high standard of Australian competitors from all the main states.

The level was impressive, in some cases breathtaking, but Lily rose to the occasion to make finals in all her categories.

Only eight competitors go through to finals.

Lily, competing in the 15-16yrs age division, was fifth in trampoline,fourth in synchronised with Auckland’s Luci Unkovich-Smith, sixth in tumbling and eighth in  the  double mini trampoline.

It was a solid performance from Lily, who was competing in her first international competition, and one from which she learned a lot.

Competitors landing triple somersaults as tumbling line dismounts was as an example of the level of skill being reached.

The champs were held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre  — an impressive venue featuring large separate stadiums to enable gymnasts of differing codes to train and warm up.

It also has an extra-large main stadium with a massive floor and seating area that catered for simultaneous competition in the various gymnastic disciplines.

Lily’s next competition is the national champs in Tauranga in early July. The Aussie and NZ nationals are part of her build-up to her ultimate event — the world champs in Birmingham, England, in November.