Gymnastics: Hard work pays off for teens

Zayne Coffey (left), 16, Thomas Dew, 17, Zethan Bennett, 13, who won medals, and Zethan's twin, Abigail Bennett, 13, who gained proficiency as a trampolinist. PHOTO/Duncan Brown

The Omni Gymnastic Centre members has returned with three golds and a silver from the nationals in Invercargill.

Thomas Dew, 17, of Taradale High School, claimed gold in the level 8 vault (a laid out, full twisting Tsukahara), while Napier Boys' High School pupil Zethan Bennett, 13, matched the colour with a level 4 hi bar.

Zayne Coffey, 16, of St John's College, claimed silver in level 8 pommel discipline.

Bennett's older twin sister, Abigail, a year 9 pupil from Napier Girls' High School, gained proficiency as a trampolinist at the nationals a fortnight ago.

For year 12 pupil Dew the consistency in gold goes back to level 6 "but not my vaulting".

"It's the same type of moves but I'm stepping it up," he says.

Dew won't graduate to junior international level because he considers himself too old.

Besides, he will have other commitments when he leaves school.

"I want to have a life, work and school," says Dew, who intends to pursue tertiary education.

For year 11 pupil Coffey it was his first national bling in nine years of gymnastics.

"I'll take it as far as I can but I can't do junior international. It requires a lot hours and resources and you have to go to bigger cities," says a "very satisfied" athlete who got into the sport after because his mother, Dale, is a former gymnast.

Zethan, who has been competing for four years, tackled his first nationals and also had a go at parallel bars, floor, pummel, vaults and rings disciplines.

"I want to see how far I can go before I leave school," he says, revealing he followed his sister into the sport.

Omni coach Joanne Cox says the medals and Abigail's mark of proficiency are a testament to all the hard work they teenagers have been putting in throughout the year.

"It's a huge commitment so I'm very proud of them," says Cox who is intending to stand down as coach at the end of this year.

All the club's senior MAG gymnasts reached finals. Only one junior didn't.

The members also had to raise funds for the Invercargill trip, says Cox.