Manning attains her long-term goal

DELICATE BALANCE: Wanganui gymnast Millie Manning has earned selection to the New Zealand Development team heading to Singapore in November, but urgently needs funding assistance to make the trip. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 170814WCGYM3.JPG

Wanganui gymnast Millie Manning has reached her long-term goal to represent her country by being selected for the New Zealand Development team off to Singapore in November.

The 15-year-old Wanganui Boys & Girls Gym Club member learned last week she had earned the right to attend the Women's Artistic Gymnastics Prime Invitational in Asia after a strong performance at the recent Auckland-Manukau championships.

A trial competition was held for gymnasts during the championships at Steps 8-10 level.

Wanganui club head coach Kelly Taylor-Ward said the teenager competed strongly, making personal best efforts to come first on the bean and place third on both the bar and floor routine, earning a silver for the overall Step 9 competition.

"The competition was well attended, with gymnasts competing from all over the country, including Christchurch and Nelson," said Taylor-Ward.

"Officials at the competition included those who had judged at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow."

Wanganui's Jonathan Maples also competed and came third on the parallel bars on the way to earning a bronze for overall in the Men's Level 7 division.

After the announcement of Manning's subsequent New Zealand selection last week, club manager Julie Holden was delighted.

"This is fantastic news, she's been very focused in her training and I'm so pleased her hard work has paid off." Taylor-Ward said Manning deserved her shot.

"She was disappointed with fourth placings at nationals last year and now she has completely refocused and turned her weaknesses into strengths.

"She works so hard and we couldn't ask for a better role model for our younger athletes."

Manning began at the Wanganui club eight years ago as a recreational gymnast.

Former sports director Susan Crawshaw quickly recognised the 7-year-old's talent and placed her in the competitive stream, where she quickly excelled.

At age 10, the Manning family moved down to Timaru, and Taylor-Ward said although the youngster kept competing, it was a culture shock to move to a smaller, volunteer-run gym, often having to settle for using substandard equipment.

"Moving back to Wanganui in 2012 meant Millie was able to reunite with her old teammates and coaches and train towards the senior levels in hopes of one day representing New Zealand."

However, being one of four children, it will be a big challenge for parents Michel and Sanna Manning to cover the costs of the trip, so the family and the club are putting out feelers to the community for help.

Gymsports New Zealand athletes do not receive funding for national or international competitions.

The total cost of the trip and uniforms is $4500, and with the Thursday deadline to make a $1000 deposit looming, the family is worried about being able to fundraise the amount needed.

"To get sponsorship or a scholarship from a local business or funding of some kind would mean the world to us," said Michel Manning.